[Emergency nursing and the multiple trauma patient].

The most important characteristics of nursing care of the acutely ill patients in the accident and emergency ward are safety and continuity. To work under pressure in periods and to handle many tasks at the same time also are important features. This kind of nursing care is very intensive. A patient's vital functions are of the first priority. There is no room for own feelings. Those can be analyzed afterwards. When the condition of a patient is stabilized there is time for holistic nursing and to look for his/her capability to self-care. The nurses of Töölö Hospital (University Central Hospital of Helsinki) describe the nursing care of the multiple trauma patient. The work is rewarding, one can see the results immediately.