Damage control neurosurgery (DCNS) is abbreviated urgent neurosurgery performed on the injured patient which helps to prevent secondary brain injury, assists in stabilising the patient and improves survival and outcome. It may be urgent surgery done by the neurosurgeon in a trauma centre, but it has particular application in the remote, rural or military environment where the surgery can be performed by a generalist. This surgery should always be done in collaboration with the trauma team caring for the overall needs of the patient. The Definitive Surgery Trauma Course (DSTC) is an ideal educational vehicle to disseminate the principles of DCNS.