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Table 3 ATLS responses to initial fluid resuscitation

From: Management of bleeding and coagulopathy following major trauma: an updated European guideline

 

Rapid response

Transient response

Minimal or no response

Vital signs

Return to normal

Transient improvement, recurrence of decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate

Remain abnormal

Estimated blood loss

Minimal (10% to 20%)

Moderate and ongoing (20% to 40%)

Severe (>40%)

Need for more crystalloid

Low

Low to moderate

Moderate as bridge to transfusion

Need for blood

Low

Moderate to high

Immediate

Blood preparation

Type and crossmatch

Type-specific

Emergency blood release

Need for operative intervention

Possibly

Likely

Highly likely

Early presence of surgeon

Yes

Yes

Yes

  1. Table reprinted with permission from the American College of Surgeons [57]. *Isotonic crystalloid solution, 2,000 ml in adults; 20 ml/kg in children.