Guidelines for Imaging and Transfusion in Trauma

Target Population: Emergency physicians, surgeons, and other clinicians who care for patients with trauma

Background and Objective

An expert panel commissioned by the U.K.'s National Health Service reported recommendations for assessment and resuscitation of major trauma in the context of a system of care organized by regional trauma networks.

Key Recommendations

• Use CT early and liberally in adults with major trauma, even omitting plain films and the focused assessment with sonography (FAST) exam in favor of the whole-body scanogram.

• For children <16 years old, do not routinely use computed tomography (CT) as first-line imaging for chest trauma.

• Avoid crystal…