The British journal of surgery
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Prehospital and resuscitation periods and times to emergency surgery were studied in major trauma victims over two 12-month periods to identify factors causing delay in emergency care. Eighteen patients required emergency surgery in the first group and 13 in the second. ⋯ Causes of delay included a sequential approach to resuscitation and investigation, limited staff and theatre availability, and failure to call the trauma team. Times for resuscitation and times to surgery could be reduced by earlier decision-making, alerting key personnel promptly and performing tasks in parallel.