title: Clinical algorithm for initial fluid resuscitation in disasters.
abstract: This article reviews past experience with branch-chain decision trees for fluid resuscitation of various emergency conditions and analyzes the effects of compliance with the algorithm on mortality and shock-related complications. On the basis of this analysis, the authors propose a new algorithm for fluid resuscitation of mass casualties when only palpable systolic blood pressure is available and when blood pressure, hematocrit, central venous pressure, urine output, and arterial blood gases are available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of California, King/Drew Medical Center, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Shoemaker
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kvetan
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Fyodorov
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Kram
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D002056:Burns / Q000628:therapy; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003422:Critical Care; D003663:Decision Trees; D004190:Disasters; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D012151:Resuscitation; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy