SCALP LACERATIONS DEMAND CAREFUL ATTENTION BEFORE INTERHOSPITAL TRANSFER OF HEAD-INJURED PATIENTS

Blood loss from scalp lacerations may be considerable. Two cases are d escribed to illustrate the hazards of transferring patients with head injuries without adequate attention to scalp wounds. In such cases ref erring clinicians must be satisfied that haemostasis is secure. Failur e to do this may place the patient at increased risk as a result of th e need for additional resuscitation, and therefore delay the definitiv e management.