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Table 1 Parameters included in the Red Cross Wound Score (RCWS) [4]

From: Predicting surgical resource consumption and in-hospital mortality in resource-scarce conflict settings: a retrospective study

Wound feature

Definition

E (entry)

Entry wound in cm

X (exit)

Exit wound in cm (X = 0 if no exit)

C (cavity)

Can the cavity of the wound take two fingers before surgical excision?

C0 = No

C1 = Yes

F (fracture)

Fracture

F0 = No fracture

F1 = Simple fracture, hole or insignificant comminution

F2 = Clinically significant comminution

V (vital structure)

Injury threatening life or threatening life or limb

V0 = No vital structure injured

VN = (neurological) penetration of the dura of the brain or spinal cord

VT = (thorax or trachea) penetration of the pleura or of the larynx/trachea in the neck

VA = (abdomen) penetration of the peritoneum

VH = (haemorrhage) injury of a major peripheral blood vessel, down to the brachial artery in the arm or the popliteal artery in the leg or carotid artery in the neck