A simple algorithm for the treatment of traumatic cardiac arrest

Background Major trauma is the leading causing of death in young adults across the globe. The mortality from traumatic cardiac arrest remains high but survival with good neurological outcome from cardiopulmonary arrest following major trauma has now been reported. Rapid, effective intervention is required to address potential reversible causes of traumatic cardiac arrest if the victim is to survive. There is no standard treatment algorithm for traumatic cardiac arrest. We present a simple algorithm to manage the major trauma patient in actual or near cardiac arrest.