title: Traumatic cardiac arrest.
abstract: Traumatic cardiac arrest is known to have a poor outcome, and some authors have stated that attempted resuscitation from traumatic cardiac arrest is futile. However, advances in damage control resuscitation and understanding of the differences in pathophysiology of traumatic cardiac arrest compared to medical cardiac arrest have led to unexpected survivors. Recently published data have suggested that outcome from traumatic cardiac arrest is no worse than that for medical causes of cardiac arrest, and in some groups may be better. This review highlights key areas of difference between traumatic cardiac arrest and medical cardiac arrest, and outlines a strategy for the management of patients in traumatic cardiac arrest. Standard Advanced Life Support algorithms should not be used for patients in traumatic cardiac arrest.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK Academic Department of Military Emergency Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (Research & Academia), Medical Directorate, Joint Medical Command, Birmingham, UK jasonesmith@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Jason E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rickard
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wise
mesh_terms: D022561:Advanced Cardiac Life Support; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006336:Heart Massage; D006801:Humans; D020896:Hypovolemia / Q000150:complications; D008020:Life Support Care; D013908:Thoracotomy; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications*
keywords: major trauma; traumatic cardiac arrest