Definitions of ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ coverage, and which anatomical structures these correspond to; adapted from Breeze et al 2
| Type of coverage | Description | Anatomical structures |
| Essential | Those structures deemed likely to result in death within 60 min of significant injury unless damage control surgery could be achieved within this time. | Heart Mediastinal great vessels Superior vena cava Inferior vena cava Pulmonary arteries and veins Aorta Brachiocephalic artery and veins Left common carotid artery Subclavian artery and vein Iliac arteries and veins Liver Spleen Intrathoracic trachea (new) |
| Desirable | Those anatomical structures potentially responsible for mortality which, if damaged, would cause morbidity necessitating lifelong medical treatment or that result in significant disability, including physiological and psychological. | Oesophagus Pharynx Lungs Main bronchi Kidneys Intestines Thoracic spinal cord Spinal nerves Pancreas |