This volume is a "how-to guide" to treating thoracic trauma and emergencies for acute care surgeons. It highlights the diagnosis and management of thoracic disease and injuries, and each chapter includes algorithms that lead readers through the process of identifying and treating many common and some uncommon thoracic pathologies. The international team of authors provides readers with a unique and diverse approach to the operative and non-operative challenges encountered by ACS surgeons. The large number of figures offers readers insights into what they can expect to see when caring for these patients. The editors understand that the management of adults and children differ and have included a specific chapter on pediatrics. Given the broad audience and diverse settings in which the text can be used, the authors also provide details of care in limited-resource environments. The volume is a valuable tool for professionals interested in thoracic surgery and acute care surgery.