Scalp lacerations demand careful attention before interhospital transfer of head injured patients.

Blood loss from scalp lacerations may be considerable. Two cases are described to illustrate the hazards of transferring patients with head injuries without adequate attention to scalp wounds. In such cases referring clinicians must be satisfied that haemostasis is secure. Failure to do this may place the patient at increased risk as a result of the need for additional resuscitation, and therefore delay the definitive management.