Dr. Charles E. Smith has been inspiring improved anesthesia for the victims of traumatic injury for many years, having spent the majority of his career at MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, which is the city's major trauma center. He has regularly served as lecturer in refresher courses for the International Trauma Anesthesia and Critical Care Society (now called International TraumaCare). He is a productive author of innovative research in the care of the traumatized patient. These attributes easily qualify him to be editor of a multi-authored comprehensive book on trauma anesthesia, to which he is also a major contributor. His invited chapter authors are similarly qualified. The result is an authoritative, readable, and educational resource for the student, resident, or practitioner wishing to stay abreast of a rapidly changing field.

Epochal changes have occurred in the practice of anesthesiology in the last ten years. Improved monitors, safer drugs, and better-trained anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and anesthesia assistants have all reduced the morbidity and mortality of anesthesia. Anesthesia has become safer. Safer anesthesia improves the outcome of traumatic injuries. Our surgical colleagues have contributed to the improvements in trauma care. Innovations in the care of serious fractures, use of damage control in abdominal injuries, and improved care of burns have reduced morbidity and mortality. Dr. Smith has included all of the latest innovations in this text.