The management of acute neurotrauma in rural and remote locations - A set of guidelines for the care of head and spinal injuries

The Neurosurgical Society of Australasia through its Trauma Committee has a long involvement in the problem of neurotrauma. The management of acute neurotrauma in rural and remote locations is of par ticular interest and is part of a general policy which includes education, prevention, organization of an integrated neurotrauma system and support fo r the Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) programme instituted by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The management of acute neurotrauma requires a consultative approach especially in the multiple injured patien t and where transfer or retrieval is necessary. As acute neurotrauma may pr esent to general practitioners, rural surgeons or emergency departments in country hospitals, a set of guidelines has been developed to assist in the early management of acute neurotrauma. These guidelines have been previously published by the Neurosurgical Societ y of Australasia and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. They have been extensively used since 1992 by rural health and distance education gro ups, Royal Flying Doctor Service Emergency Management of Severe Trauma Cour se of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and by overseas education programs for neurotrauma care. This revision updates the guidelines and mak es them accessible through the Journal. Reprints are available for practiti oners in rural and remote settings, trauma course participants and others.