Injuries in the elderly: evaluation and initial response.

The injured elderly patient presents a special challenge to the treating physician; there tends to be less margin for error than in younger patients and a greater chance that mortality will result. Beyond the general need for rapid assessment of an often complicated situation, there are specific evaluative and therapeutic techniques, system-by-system and organ-by-organ, that can help expedite the patient's recovery. Guidelines for ICU admission and possible withholding of care are also suggested.