"Code Red" protocol for resuscitation of the exsanguinated patient.

A "Code Red" protocol for resuscitation of the exsanguinated patient is presented. It consists of two phases initial massive crystalloid infusion, followed by rapid access to, and infusion of, blood. It is simple and requires minimal time, equipment, personnel, or expertise. The femoral vein is the principal access site; it is cannulated percutaneously by the Seldinger technique and allows simultaneous infusion and CVP measurement.