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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 June 2012
The main aim of the primary treatment of polytraumatized patients at the accident site is the stabilization and maintenance of vital functions, especially the cardiocirculatory and the respiratory systems. The next step in the rescue chain is rapid transport to the nearest hospital with the ability to manage critically injured patients. Because of the difficulty in carrying out measurements in such critical situations, very little reliable data concerning trauma induced changes in respiratory function and metabolism is available. Clinical experience has shown that even after successfully recovering from the acute stress phase, a trauma related progressive respiratory distress syndrome can nevertheless develop during the first few days following injury.
Recent studies led to the conclusion that the late development of respiratory distress syndrome is already induced during the early shock phase. Early discovery and adequate treatment of trauma related metabolic and respiratory dysfunctions have a decisive influence on current status and outcome.