Damage Control Resuscitation Principles Research Articles

The Royal College of Surgeons of England Damage Control Orthopaedic Trauma Skills course (DCOTS): resuscitative knowledge and confidence in surgical skills are reliably maintained at six months post course.

Since 2012, the Damage Control Orthopaedic Trauma Skills course (DCOTS) has trained more than 250 surgeons in the principles and practice of damage control orthopaedics and early appropriate care. This Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) course takes place at the RCS England Partner cadaver laboratory at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK, and the course has tried to pass on the lessons of war and conflict from its military faculty and hard-won lessons of "developed world" trauma from its experienced civilian faculty. Participating surgeons were invited to score their self-reported confidence before attending the DCOTS course, immediately afterwards and again 6 months later. A modified four-point Likert scale was used, with responses from 1 = No Confidence to 4 = Very Confident. Damage control resuscitation principles with damage control surgery showed the greatest retained increase at 6 months - 100% - which is extremely satisfying. Self-reported confidence in pelvic external fixation was initially 93% dropping to 85%, which is also considered good to excellent. For pelvic packing, confidence was 90% at the end of the course, up from 19% precourse. This dropped to 62%, which was still considered good but low for the high standards of the course. This may relate to UK trainees' lack of familiarity with the concept. Three of the main skills taught on the DCOTS are effectively retained at 6 months post course.

Adopting a culture of remote damage control resuscitation in the military: Insights from the Israel defense forces decade of experience.

Remote damage control resuscitation (RDCR) aims to apply the principles of damage control resuscitation to prehospital and austere care, emphasizing early control of compressible hemorrhage, balanced volume resuscitation, and the prevention or correction of coagulopathy, acidosis, hypothermia, and hypocalcemia. Over the past decades, the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps (IDF-MC) has made significant efforts to integrate the principles of RDCR into prehospital trauma care in the military. In this article, we reflect on the implementation of RDCR in the prehospital setting by the IDF-MC, sharing successes, challenges, considerations on guideline changes, and their assessment over time. The implementation of RDCR has resulted in changes in clinical practice guidelines and training programs, with increased awareness and adoption of RDCR principles among both medical and non-medical military personnel. The implementation of these principles and adherence to guideline changes have been analyzed using the Israel Defense Forces Trauma Registry. By sharing our experiences, we hope to provide valuable insights for other military and civilian organizations seeking to adopt similar protocols for prehospital care. Continuous evaluation and refinement of guidelines and training programs will be essential for ongoing implementation and advancement of RDCR in the prehospital setting.

Prehospital care according to the principles of Damage Control Resuscitation in the conditions of modern warfare (literature review)

Relevance. Bleeding and hemorrhagic shock are the leading cause of potentially preventable deaths in combat casualties. The concept of pre-hospital injury control Remote Damage Control Resuscitation is becoming an integral part of care in the wounded with shock in the field. The significance of prehospital care provision according to the principles of Damage Control Resuscitation is increasing in future “multidomain battlefield”.The objective is to consider the effectiveness and features of prehospital care provision according to the principles of DCR in armed conflicts of the last two decades (in Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa, the Middle East).Methodology. A search was made for scientific articles in the PubMed database and the Scientific Electronic Library (eLIBRARY.ru), published from 2017 to 2022.Results and Discussion. Prehospital care according to the principles of Damage Control Resuscitation includes temporary arrest of bleeding, infusion therapy as part of hemostatic resuscitation and permissive hypotension, adequate respiratory support, prevention and elimination of hypothermia, and prompt evacuation to the stage of surgical care. Effective means to stop bleeding in combat casualties are modern hemostatic tourniquets, pelvic bandage, hemostatic dressings with koalin and chitosan. Resuscitation endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta is recognized as a promising method for stopping internal bleeding. The basis of hemostatic resuscitation on the battlefield is the earlier transfusion of blood or its components in combination with the introduction of tranexamic acid and calcium preparations. Group O (I) whole blood with low titer anti-A and anti-B antibodies, lyophilized plasma and fibrinogen concentrate offer logistical advantages for combat use.Conclusion. Pre-hospital care according to the principles of Damage Control Resuscitation is effective and can significantly reduce mortality among those injured in combat operations.

Emergency management of pelvic trauma

This article will review in detail the mechanisms and anatomy of injuries that lead to life-threatening emergencies from pelvic trauma, examining the facets of care for such cases from the point of injury through to the latest developments in hybrid operating strategies. Damage control resuscitation principles, the trauma mindset and the specialist vantage point for major trauma management will be covered to critically appraise the current concepts and explore where future improvements may be on the horizon.

Optimizing a decision support system for damage-control resuscitation using mixed methods human factors analysis.

Damage-control resuscitation (DCR) improves trauma survival; however, consistent adherence to DCR principles through multiple phases of care has proven challenging. Clinical decision support may improve adherence to DCR principles. In this study, we designed and evaluated a DCR decision support system using an iterative development and human factors testing approach. The phases of analysis included initial needs assessment and prototype design (Phase 0), testing in a multidimensional simulation (Phase 1), and testing during initial clinical use (Phase 2). Phase 1 and Phase 2 included hands-on use of the decision support system in the trauma bay, operating room, and intensive care unit. Participants included trauma surgeons, trauma fellows, anesthesia providers, and trauma bay and intensive care unit nurses who provided both qualitative and quantitative feedback on the initial prototype and all subsequent iterations. In Phase 0, 14 (87.5%) of 16 participants noted that they would use the decisions support system in a clinical setting. Twenty-four trauma team members then participated in simulated resuscitations with decision support where 178 (78.1%) of 228 of tasks were passed and 27 (11.8%) were passed with difficulty. Twenty-three (95.8%) completed a postsimulation survey. Following iterative improvements in system design, Phase 2 evaluation included 21 trauma team members during multiple real-world trauma resuscitations. Of these, 15 (71.4%) completed a formal postresuscitation survey. Device-level feedback on a Likert scale (range, 0-4) confirmed overall ease of use (median score, 4; interquartile range, 4-4) and indicated the system integrated well into their workflow (median score, 3; interquartile range, 2-4). Final refinements were then completed in preparation for a pilot clinical study using the decision support system. An iterative development and human factors testing approach resulted in a clinically useable DCR decision support system. Further analysis will determine its applicability in military and civilian trauma care. Therapeutic/Care Management, Level V.

Prehospital Whole Blood Transfusion Programs in Norway

Background: Prehospital management of severe hemorrhage has evolved significantly in Norwegian medical emergency services in the last 10 years. Treatment algorithms for severe bleeding were previously focused on restoration of the blood volume by administration of crystalloids and colloids, but now the national trauma system guidelines recommend early balanced transfusion therapy according to remote damage control resuscitation principles. Materials and Methods: This survey describes the implementation, utilization, and experience of the use of low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) and blood components in air ambulance services in Norway. Medical directors from all air ambulance bases in Norway as well as the blood banks that support LTOWB were invited to participate. Results: Medical directors from all 13 helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) bases, the 7 search and rescue (SAR) helicopter bases, and the 4 blood banks that support HEMS with LTOWB responded to the survey. All HEMS and SAR helicopter services carry LTOWB or blood components. Four of 20 (20%) HEMS bases have implemented LTOWB. A majority of services (18/20, 90%) have a preference for LTOWB, primarily because LTOWB enables early balanced transfusion and has logistical benefits in time-critical emergencies and during prolonged evacuations. Conclusion: HEMS services and blood banks report favorable experiences in the implementation and utilization of LTOWB. Prehospital balanced blood transfusion using whole blood is feasible in Norway.

Plasma: a Brief History, the Evidence, and Current Recommendations

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a brief history of the use of plasma, as well as to provide a review of currently available products, indications for usage, and benefits of transfusion. The Prospective Observational Multicenter Major Trauma Transfusion (PROMMTT) trial, an observational study from ten level-one trauma centers, aimed to define the principles of Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) and a balanced transfusion strategy. The Pragmatic Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios (PROPPR) trial was the first randomized controlled trial to address the question of transfusion ratios. Together these studies, along with the remainder of body of plasma literature, have led to current transfusion recommendations. The current cornerstones of therapy for the management of a trauma patient in hemorrhagic shock include early hemorrhage control, permissive hypotension, and damage control resuscitation. The American College of Surgeons’ Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) recommends a target balance between 1:1 and 1:2 for plasma to red blood cell ratio and one single donor apheresis or random donor platelet pool for each six units of RBC.

Exit wave plan for structured secondary patient distribution : Logistic concept for mass victims of terrorist attacks

Following aterrorist attack asecond hit is to be feared. The adequate reaction of the emergency services on site is to clear the scene. Since in such cases no treatment areas are set up at the scene of the incident, the injured are quickly admitted to the nearest hospital, either by themselves or by the emergency services and are largely untreated. Therefore, the hospital has to be ready to take in asignificantly larger number of injured people in avery short period of time than after aconventional mass casualty incident. Due to the conceivably large number of wounded persons the emergency department can ensure primary medical care but nowhere near all casualties admitted to the hospital can be definitively treated. In order to provide injured patients with individual medical care after initial treatment according to the criteria of damage control resuscitation, aconcept should be developed that enables awell-organized secondary transfer to receiving hospitals with appropriate equipment. Within aradius of 100 km from Ulm, all hospitals certified by the German Society for Trauma Surgery were contacted and asked to indicate how many emergency patients of the triage categories T1 (red), T2 (yellow) and T3 (green) could be admitted and treated around the clock (24/7). Special features such as a helicopter landing pad, neurosurgical care and pediatric traumatology care were considered. Of the 32hospitals within a 100 km radius of Ulm 29 (91%) provided information on the admission capacity. In these hospitals 45 T1, 121 T2 and 333 T3 patients could be admitted around the clock (24/7). Ahelicopter landing pad is available at 26 of the 29hospitals (90%), 11 hospitals (38%) can treat patients for emergency neurosurgery and 18hospitals (62%) have the possibility of pediatric traumatological emergency care. Based on this information the structured exit wave plan was developed, which enables asecondary transfer of at least 100 patients to qualified trauma centers. The University Hospital of Ulm has made preparations to admit at least 100 injured patients for initial medical treatment following aterrorist attack. This corresponds to 10% of the hospital beds as required in the literature. Together with the neighboring Military Hospital and the University and Rehabilitation Hospital Ulm up to 300 injured patients can be treated; however, the number of available intensive care unit (ICU) beds and capacities in normal wards for definitive care is much lower, therefore, patients treated according to the principles of damage control resuscitation have to be relocated. By documenting the capacity of the hospitals within a 100 km radius around Ulm and taking their specific features into account, an exit wave plan could be created that enables patient distribution for definitive care without time-consuming procedures.

Alone and Sometimes Unafraid: Military Perspective on Forward Damage Control Resuscitation on the Modern Battlefield

The objective of this review is to describe the military experience and utilization of damage control resuscitation as well as explore future developments to push the best medicine far forward in the austere environment. The Global War on Terror has transitioned from mature combat theaters staged with rapid medical evacuation and robust medical facilities to more austere environments. Due to this transition, the military medical force has adopted the practice of sending providers and surgeons into forward deployed environments to provide Damage Control Resuscitation closer to the point of injury. This review focuses on the key tenets of Damage Control Resuscitation and its development. It also describes how various military units have adopted damage control resuscitation principles.

Transfusion Therapy

Exsanguination occurs rapidly after trauma (median 2 to 3 hours after admission) and is the leading cause of preventable trauma deaths. The modern treatment for traumatic hemorrhagic shock is simultaneous mechanical hemorrhage control and damage control resuscitation (DCR), which emphasizes using plasma as the primary means for volume expansion. Other core DCR principles include minimization of crystalloid, permissive hypotension, and goal-directed resuscitation. The treatment of traumatic hemorrhage is complicated by trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC); DCR is thought to address TIC directly despite incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Recent data point to a 1:1:1 ratio of plasma and platelets to red blood cells as the optimal blood product ratio for acute traumatic hemorrhage. However, this paradigm may soon be supplanted by a transition back to whole blood. Although it is intuitive to apply these same protocols and algorithms to patients with nontraumatic hemorrhage, the scientific evidence is lacking. Key words: endotheliopathy, hemorrhage, massive transfusion, trauma-induced coagulopathy

Transfusion Therapy

Exsanguination occurs rapidly after trauma (median 2 to 3 hours after admission) and is the leading cause of preventable trauma deaths. The modern treatment for traumatic hemorrhagic shock is simultaneous mechanical hemorrhage control and damage control resuscitation (DCR), which emphasizes using plasma as the primary means for volume expansion. Other core DCR principles include minimization of crystalloid, permissive hypotension, and goal-directed resuscitation. The treatment of traumatic hemorrhage is complicated by trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC); DCR is thought to address TIC directly despite incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Recent data point to a 1:1:1 ratio of plasma and platelets to red blood cells as the optimal blood product ratio for acute traumatic hemorrhage. However, this paradigm may soon be supplanted by a transition back to whole blood. Although it is intuitive to apply these same protocols and algorithms to patients with nontraumatic hemorrhage, the scientific evidence is lacking. Key words: endotheliopathy, hemorrhage, massive transfusion, trauma-induced coagulopathy

Preparation of leukoreduced whole blood for transfusion in austere environments; effects of forced filtration, storage agitation, and high temperatures on hemostatic function.

Damage control resuscitation principles advocate the use of blood to treat traumatic hemorrhage. Hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield, but making blood components available far forward presents logistical challenges due to shelf life and storage requirements. Whole blood simplifies logistics and enables collection in the field but can cause leukocyte-related transfusion reactions. A field-adapted leukoreduction system must be fast and safe, and storage of whole blood should preserve hemostatic function. Blood was collected using Imuflex WB-SP and leukoreduced at 0, 150, or 300 mm Hg. Additional bags were stored at 4°C for 21 days unagitated, mixed daily, agitated or head-over-heel rotated, at 22°C for 3 days, or 32°C for 2 hours. Hematology, coagulation, CD62P/CD42b, thromboelastography (TEG)/thromboelastometry (ROTEM), and Multiplate was performed. Filtration time was 35 ± 1, 14 ± 0, and 9 ± 0 minutes at 0, 150, and 300 mm Hg, respectively. One of 10 units at 150 mm Hg and 4 of 11 at 300 mm Hg had residual whole blood cells greater than 5.0 × 10 per unit. One of 11 at 300 mm Hg had platelet recovery of less than 80%. Hemolysis was less than 0.2%. Filtration decreased thromboelastography/thromboelastometry and Multiplate aggregation response. Stored at 4°C, α and MA/MCF moderately decreased regardless of mixing. Significant loss of aggregation response and increased CD62P expression was seen by Day 10. By Day 3, storage at 22°C caused loss of most aggregation. Two-hour storage at 32°C did not significantly affect hemostatic capacity. Forced filtration reduced leukoreduction time, but increased residual whole blood cells reduced hemostatic function. Aggregation response deteriorated early in storage, while viscoelastic assays decreased more gradually. Mixing showed no benefits. Diagnostic study, level IV.

Immediate effects of blood donation on physical and cognitive performance-A randomized controlled double-blinded trial.

The success of implementing damage control resuscitation principles pre-hospital has been at the expense of several logistic burdens including the requirements for resupply, and the question of donor safety during the development of whole blood programs. Previous studies have reported effects on physical performance after blood donation; however, none have investigated the effects of blood donation on cognitive performance. We describe a prospective double-blinded, randomized, controlled study comprised of a battery of tests: three cognitive tests, and VO2max testing on a cycle ergometer. Testing was performed 7 days before blinded donation (baseline day), immediately after donation (Day 0), and 7 days (Day 7) after donation. The inclusion criteria included being active blood donors at the Haukeland University Hospital blood bank, where eligibility requirements were met on the testing days, and providing informed consent. Participants were randomized to either the experimental (n = 26) or control group (n = 31). Control group participants underwent a 'mock donation" in which a phlebotomy needle was placed but blood was not withdrawn. In the experimental group, mean ± SEM VO2max declined 6% from 41.35 ± 1.7 mLO2/(min·kg) at baseline to 39.0 ± 1.6 mLO2/(min·kg) on Day 0 and increased to 40.51 ± 1.5 mLO2/(min·kg) on Day 7. Comparable values in the control group were 42.1 ± 1.8 mLO2/(min·kg) at baseline, 41.6 ± 1.8 mLO2/(min·kg)) on Day 1 (1% decline from baseline), and 41.8 ± 1.8 mLO2/(min·kg) on Day 7.Comparing scores of all three cognitive tests on Day 0 and Day 7 showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Our main findings are that executive cognitive and physical performances were well maintained after whole blood donation in healthy blood donors. The findings inform postdonation guidance on when donors may be required to return to duty. Randomized, controlled, double-blinded prospective trial study, level 1.

Transfusion Therapy

Exsanguination occurs rapidly after trauma (median 2 to 3 hours after admission) and is the leading cause of preventable trauma deaths. The modern treatment for traumatic hemorrhagic shock is simultaneous mechanical hemorrhage control and damage control resuscitation (DCR), which emphasizes using plasma as the primary means for volume expansion. Other core DCR principles include minimization of crystalloid, permissive hypotension, and goal-directed resuscitation. The treatment of traumatic hemorrhage is complicated by trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC); DCR is thought to address TIC directly despite incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Recent data point to a 1:1:1 ratio of plasma and platelets to red blood cells as the optimal blood product ratio for acute traumatic hemorrhage. However, this paradigm may soon be supplanted by a transition back to whole blood. Although it is intuitive to apply these same protocols and algorithms to patients with nontraumatic hemorrhage, the scientific evidence is lacking. Key words: endotheliopathy, hemorrhage, massive transfusion, trauma-induced coagulopathy

Resuscitation for Hypovolemic Shock.

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable deaths in trauma patients. After presenting a brief history of hemorrhagic shock resuscitation, this article discusses damage control resuscitation and its adjuncts. Massively bleeding patients in hypovolemic shock should be treated with damage control resuscitation principles including limited crystalloid, whole blood or balance blood component transfusion to permissive hypotension, preventing hypothermia, and stopping bleeding as quickly as possible.

Damage control resuscitation: how to use blood products and manage major bleeding in trauma

Exsanguination comprises 30% to 40% of mortality in trauma and is the leading cause of trauma mortality in civilian and military populations. Many different strategies have been suggested for the management of haemorrhage, but recently damage control resuscitation (DCR) and damage control surgery (DCS) have become mainstays of treatment. The main principles of DCR are permissive hypotension as well as prevention of the ‘lethal triad’ of acidosis, coagulopathy and hypothermia. Acidosis affects multiple physiologic processes as well as worsening coagulopathy. Hypothermia can worsen acidosis and cause coagulopathy. DCR is designed to prevent the lethal triad by minimizing crystalloid administration and providing a balanced blood product resuscitation in a 1:1:1 ratio of red cells:plasma:platelets to mimic whole blood. Adjuncts such as cryoprecipitate and tranexamic acid are frequently required, and their use may be guided by new coagulation tests including thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (TEM).DCS is used to complement DCR. DCS focuses on rapid and immediate repairs including control of haemorrhage, temporary repair of hollow viscus injuries and packing to control non‐surgical bleeding. The patient is then transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) and undergoes further resuscitation with DCR for the treatment of coagulopathies and metabolic derangements. Once the patient is adequately resuscitated, they are then taken back to the operating room for definitive surgery. DCR and DCS utilizations have improved outcomes for trauma patients, but further research is needed to continue to decrease preventable mortality from haemorrhage in the severely injured trauma patient.

Transfusion Therapy

Exsanguination occurs rapidly after trauma (median 2 to 3 hours after admission) and is the leading cause of preventable trauma deaths. The modern treatment for traumatic hemorrhagic shock is simultaneous mechanical hemorrhage control and damage control resuscitation (DCR), which emphasizes using plasma as the primary means for volume expansion. Other core DCR principles include minimization of crystalloid, permissive hypotension, and goal-directed resuscitation. The treatment of traumatic hemorrhage is complicated by trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC); DCR is thought to address TIC directly despite incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Recent data point to a 1:1:1 ratio of plasma and platelets to red blood cells as the optimal blood product ratio for acute traumatic hemorrhage. However, this paradigm may soon be supplanted by a transition back to whole blood. Although it is intuitive to apply these same protocols and algorithms to patients with nontraumatic hemorrhage, the scientific evidence is lacking. Key words: endotheliopathy, hemorrhage, massive transfusion, trauma-induced coagulopathy

Damage Control Resuscitation and Surgery in a Forward Combat Setting

Surgical management of the severely injured trauma patient is a balance between managing abnormal physiology and performing definitive repair of injuries. When hemodynamic impairment is present immediate care consistent with Advance Trauma Life Support (ATLSTM) guidelines is required. However, associated vascular and/or visceral compromise carry significant morbidity and mortality that must be addressed. This equilibrium, now manifest in the principles of damage control resuscitation, is the standard approach in trauma surgery. In the setting of combat, a remote and resource-limited environment, several other concerns affect management decisions. Combat casualty care must take into consideration pre-hospital interventions, location, triage, supply, personnel, transportation, security, and operational conditions specific to theaters of conflict. Ultimately damage control is one of many forms of triage within the greater scope of trauma care.

Damage Control Resuscitation: More Than Just Transfusion Strategies

Trauma hemorrhage continues to carry a high mortality worldwide. The contemporary damage control resuscitation (DCR) paradigm supports actively bleeding trauma patients until hemorrhage control is achieved. The principles of DCR center on early hemorrhage control and limiting ongoing blood loss by adopting strategies limiting fluid administration, reducing blood pressure targets, and maintaining hemostasis through balanced transfusion strategies. Application of DCR strategies has dramatically reduced mortality from trauma hemorrhage and also seems to reduce the incidence and severity of complications such as organ failure and infection. While much of the discussion around DCR focuses on control of coagulopathy and the delivery of a balanced transfusion, the other principles are at least as important. Avoiding clear fluids solutions, especially at the most critical timepoints, require experience and a coordinated, practiced, multidisciplinary approach. The anesthesiologist therefore has a central role to play in the successful delivery of DCR, and perioperative management of fluid administration and the patient’s cardiovascular status can make all the difference between a good and bad outcome. In this article, we discuss the principles of DCR with a focus on areas of trauma anesthesiology management.

Assessing the damage control resuscitation: development, drivers and direction.

Damage control resuscitation (DCR) has become a more widely adopted acute management strategy over the past decade. A cornerstone of this strategy is the performance of an initial limited surgical intervention for the control of active bleeding and contamination. This technique is indicated where significant physiological compromise exists and immediate surgical intervention is required. This damage control surgery itself is completed judiciously to allow a period of resuscitative stabilisation before later definitive surgical solutions. This discussion describes the three further principles of DCR and then explores the rationale and drivers behind the development of this approach.