trauma remains the leading cause of mortality among persons 1 to 44 years old in
the United States1 and accounts for almost 9% of total mortality worldwide.2 In
2008 a total of 663000 injury-related deaths occurred in Europe (6.9% of total deaths).2
Uncontrolled bleeding and exsanguination are the leading cause of preventable death
after trauma3 and require early detection of potential bleeding sources and prompt
action to minimize blood loss, restore tissue perfusion, and achieve a stable hemodynamic status.