Information for the public
About this information
About this information
NICE guidelines provide advice on the care and support that should be offered to people who use health and care services.
This information is for people who have had major trauma, their families and carers. Major trauma is the term used to describe a serious injury that could cause permanent disability or death. Examples of major trauma include serious injuries to the head, the spine or the chest, injuries that cause someone to lose a lot of blood, and complicated breaks to the bones called complex fractures (such as a broken pelvis or a broken bone that is sticking out through the skin).
The NICE guideline offers advice about how to treat breathing problems, chest injuries and heavy bleeding. It does not cover injuries caused by burns. Also it does not cover the treatment of complex fractures, head injuries or spinal injuries. For information about advice we have produced in these areas, see other NICE guidance.