Preparing to receive patients with trauma.

Appropriate preparation could prevent up to 70% of trauma-related deaths in hospital. In this article, a military trauma team discusses the infrastructure required to receive patients with major trauma. It explains who should be in a trauma team and the tools needed to ensure efficient communication between team members. Roles for nurses are explored under the following headings: control of environmental factors; pain management; prevention of pressure ulcers; and the care of patients' relatives. The reception of mass casualties is also considered.