Introduction 295Resuscitation 295Airway control and cervical spine protection 295Assessment of breathing 296Adequacy of circulation 296Assessment of disability 296Exposure of patient 296Placement of tubes and essential x-rays 296Reassessment of patient 296Mandatory operation versus mandatory imaging versusselective physical examinations and intervention 297Clinical evaluation 297Diagnostic investigations 298Gunshot wounds versus knife wounds 299Retained sharp objects 300Specific injuries 300Key evidence 302Key learning points 302References 303There are 4 degrees of intra-operative hemorrhage:1. Why did I get involved in this operation? 2. Why did I become a surgeon? 3. Why did I study to become a doctor? 4. Why was I born?