• A E Sharrock and M Midwinter.
• Vascular Surgery Department, Salisbury District Hospital, Odstock Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8BJ, UK. sharrock@doctors.org.uk
• Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2013 Apr 1; 95 (3): 177-83.

IntroductionTrauma provision in the UK is a topic of interest. Regional trauma networks and centres are evolving and research is blossoming, but what bearing does all this have on the care that is delivered to the individual patient? This article aims to provide an overview of key research concepts in the field of trauma care, to guide the clinician in decision making in the management of major trauma.MethodsThe Ovid MEDLINE(®), EMBASE™ and PubMed databases were used to search for relevant articles on haemorrhage control, damage control resuscitation and its exceptions, massive transfusion protocols, prevention and correction of coagulopathy, acidosis and hypothermia, and damage-control surgery.FindingsA wealth of research is available and a broad range has been reviewed to summarise significant developments in trauma care. Research has been categorised into disciplines and it is hoped that by considering each, a tailored management plan for the individual trauma patient will evolve, potentially improving patient outcome.

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