Abstract
Aims: Damage control resuscitation with limited crystalloids and early use of blood products is now considered standard care in major trauma. The purpose of this study was to audit resuscitation practice in trauma patients where a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) had been activated, to determine whether crystalloid administration and adherence to the MTP had improved since an audit and education sessions in July 2017.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study looking at trauma patients presenting to Christchurch Hospital who had a MTP activated form the 1 May 2016 to 1 March 2019. Patients were identified by cross-referencing the trauma call database with the electronic transfusion registry.
Results: Thirty-four patients were included in the audit. There was no significant difference in mean crystalloid administration before and after July 2017 (5.74 litres and 4.86 litres respectively). Patients presenting before July 2017 received a significantly lower mean fresh frozen plasma to red blood cells (FFP:RBC) compared to patients after July 2017.
Conclusions: Trauma patients with major haemorrhage at Christchurch Hospital are still receiving excess crystalloids; however, our audit suggests that compliance with the MTP has improved. Further education involving the entire trauma team is required to improve fluid resuscitation practice.