A randomised controlled trial of prehospital intravenous fluid replacement therapy in serious trauma.

Studies that have attempted to measure the effects of prehospital intravenous fluids have predominantly used crystalloid infusion as recommended by American Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines. There are several disadvantages to this strategy. Computerised modelling of intravenous fluid therapy has suggested that potential benefits of crystalloid infusion will only occur if there is a bleeding rate of 25-100 ml/min, the rate of fluid infusion is at least equal to the bleeding rate, and if the prehospital time exceeds 30 minutes. In practice, these criteria are unlikely to be met. One study Chapter 1 * Includes ambulance costs, fluid costs and A&E costs Includes intensive care unit and ward costs p-value on log-transformed inpatient costs (plus 10) is 0.53 p-value on log-transformed total costs is 0.64 * p-value for log-transformed total costs is 0.69 p-value for log-transformed total costs is 0.36 p-value for log-transformed total costs is 0.44 p-value for log-transformed total costs is 0.60