Fluid resuscitation in the trauma patient.

Trauma is responsible for 25% of all emergency department visits causing a healthcare burden of more than $400 billion a year. Timely and appropriate fluid resuscitation may mean the difference between survival and death. Controversy surrounds the best method of fluid resuscitation for optimum recovery. This article will evaluate current research regarding the various types of fluid resuscitation in the trauma population. Colloid and crystalloid fluid will be compared describing the risks and benefits of each.