Introduction

Abstract

Trauma may be defined as the effects of external harmful forces that disrupt both the structure and function of the body and is familiar in its various forms such as penetrating, blunt, crush and thermal trauma. The actions of toxic chemicals on the body can be integrated into the various forms of physical trauma as what might be termed ‘toxic trauma’. Toxic trauma can be defined broadly as the disruption of somatic systems and their function by exposure to a toxic chemical. Toxic chemical agents injure through a variety of routes of entry into the body and by affecting several somatic systems. An understanding of the pathophysiogical processes involved is essential to management as is a systematic approach to clinical management that has been the keystone of modern physical trauma management. This chapter considers an integrated approach to trauma and its clinical advantages for management and improved outcome.