ABSTRACT

Gastrointestinal bleeding requires a careful assessment and appropriate resuscitation. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is more common than lower, and males are affected more than females.1,2 While it is impossible to determine the exact etiology in the prehospital care environment, a focused history and physical examination can provide important clues for determining the severity and location of the bleeding. This chapter focuses on the identification of common causes of gastrointestinal hemorrhage with a brief discussion concerning definitive diagnosis and management.