In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Colonel Stacey Shackelford discusses abdominal trauma and exsanguinating hemorrhage. He highlights the findings from studies on casualties who died before reaching a surgical hospital, with close to 90% of those deaths caused by bleeding. The majority of potentially survivable injuries resulting in death were from torso hemorrhage, particularly abdominal injuries. The current toolkit for managing abdominal trauma includes pressure dressings, blood transfusions, TXA, and calcium. However, there is a need for further research and development of advanced pre-hospital care options.

Takeaways

Studies have shown that a significant number of casualties die before reaching a surgical hospital due to bleeding from abdominal trauma.

The majority of potentially survivable injuries resulting in death are from torso hemorrhage, particularly abdominal injuries.

The current toolkit for managing abdominal trauma includes pressure dressings, blood transfusions, TXA, and calcium.

Further research and development is needed for advanced pre-hospital care options to improve survival rates for abdominal trauma.