A call for disciplined patience instead of crystalloid infusion for the trauma patient

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Bleeding trauma patients require resuscitation with blood rather than an infusion of salt solution. However, a short delay often occurs from the time a resuscitation provider calls for blood and its availability. When facing a bleeding trauma patient with life-threatening low blood pressure, providers feel pressure to give immediately available salt-containing fluids. These fluids may help increase a patient’s blood pressure but will also decrease the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to organs and may increase bleeding and shock. It is proposed that providers maintain disciplined patience and wait for blood to be available rather than transfusing saltwater solutions.