Which type of fluid is recommended for resuscitation in trauma patients?

Isotonic fluids, such as normal saline and Lactated Ringer's solution, are the recommended choice for resuscitation in trauma patients due to their ability to effectively restore intravascular volume without causing significant osmotic shifts. These fluids closely match the osmolarity of blood plasma, making them ideal for immediate fluid resuscitation.

In trauma situations, patients often experience hypovolemic shock due to blood loss, and the primary goal of resuscitation is to quickly replenish volume and maintain adequate circulation to vital organs. Isotonic fluids help achieve this by expanding the intravascular compartment and improving blood flow.

Normal saline, with its sodium chloride composition, is straightforward and effective for most trauma scenarios, while Lactated Ringer’s solution contains additional electrolytes that can further support physiological balance during resuscitation. Both options are widely available and have a long-standing history of use in emergency and trauma care.

Other fluid types may not provide the same immediate benefits. Hypertonic saline can be effective in certain contexts but is typically used in more controlled circumstances, such as with specific types of head injuries or to manage severe hypovolemia in particular patient populations. Colloids, while useful in certain cases, have fallen out of