Serving on the staff of Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Bruce Hugh Dorman, MD, performed critical care in the emergency room. With 20 years’ experience in the field, Dr. Bruce Hugh Dorman is well versed in trauma anesthesiology.
Trauma anesthesiologists often begin their work in the ambulance or the helicopter, before they reach the ER. They must immediately sedate patients whose condition can deteriorate rapidly because of intense bleeding and severe wounds.
In addition to putting patients under, anesthesiologists must monitor vital signs, such as blood pressure and respiration. At a moment’s notice, they may have to administer intravenous fluids or blood transfusions to ensure the safety of the heart and brain. These specialists must also watch for any side effects of the anesthesia, in addition to placing diagnostic devices to gain further information.
Their work is not done after the emergency. Trauma anesthesiologists must frequently mitigate postoperative pain with epidural, spinal, and intravenous medications. Many of them obtain additional specializations in critical care so they can treat intensive-care patients.
