A decade of trauma management

It has been known for some time that common principles should be applied to the management of civilian and military trauma, even though the differences in presentation can be significant. Civilian trauma predominantly presents as blunt trauma, for example from road collisions, whereas military trauma generally comprises blast and gunshot wounds. In a review of compliance with quality and safety standards, the Care Quality Commission (2012) highlights the exemplary military trauma management provided in hazardous and difficult circumstances. This offers critical lessons for the NHS trauma management systems.