Anesthesia for trauma patients presents unique challenges for anesthetists. Most urgent cases occur at night or during weekend shifts, when more experience anesthetists are not available. Patient information is limited, and previous medical history and details of chronic medication, allergies, or genetic abnormalities are unknown.

Patients often present intoxicated, with a full stomach, and with the potential for cervical spine instability. Patients often have multiple injuries, requiring several procedures, sometimes in different positions. A difficult airway is not unusual, and special airway management equipment may be required at short notice. Occult injuries, such as tension pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade, can manifest at unexpected times.