BACKGROUND Presence of a trauma team leader (TTL) in the trauma team is associated with positive patient outcomes in major trauma. The TTL is traditionally a surgeon who coordinates the resuscitation and ensures adherence to Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines. The necessity of routine surgical leadership in the resuscitative component of trauma care has been questioned by some autho...

Each year over 50 million humans are injured worldwide in traffic accidents (WHO). 1,200000 fatalities are registered at the same time. Everybody agrees, that we must fight against. Beside law enforcement, education, car technology and road construction a well organized rescue chain is mandatory, chain links are: Emergency call center (Europe TEL. 112), SAR system, Treatment in a competent hos...

 P. I. Akimau, MD, PhD, FRCS Orth, ST8 in Trauma and Orthopaedics, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics  W. M. Dakin, RN, Dip Orth Nursing, Staff Nurse, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics  C. Chadwick, FRCS Orth, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sheffield Foot and Ankle Unit, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics  C. M. Blundell, MD, FRCS Orth, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sheffield F...

Explosive weapons remain the leading cause of death, injury, and disability to combatants in battle. Recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have seen considerable advances in the surgical knowledge and skills needed to save life and limb of multiply injured casualties. Global terrorism has seen explosive weapons move from battlefield to urban centres, often with devastating effects. Orthopaed...