Safety and Efficacy of a 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch (HES) Solution Versus an Electrolyte Solution in Trauma Patients

Inclusion: * Male or female adult patients ≥18 years of age. Women of child bearing potential must test negative on standard pregnancy test (urine or serum) (as soon as possible during emergency care) * Patients with blunt or penetrating trauma suffering from estimated blood loss of ≥ 500 ml * Initial surgery deemed necessary within 24 hrs after trauma * Deferred signed written informed consent form or as locally required * No signs of intracranial or cerebral hemorrhage * Administration of less than 15 ml/kg body weight colloid between trauma injury and hospital admission. Exclusion: * Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the other excipients of the Investigational Products * Body weight ≥ 140 kg * Patients expected to die within 24h after traumatic injury * Sepsis * Burns * Renal impairment (AKIN stage ≥ 1 or chronic) or acute and/or chronic Renal Replacement Therapy * Critically ill patients (typically admitted to the intensive care unit) * Hyperhydration * Pulmonary edema * Dehydration * Hyperkalemia * Severe hypernatremia * Severe hyperchloremia * Severely impaired hepatic function * Congestive heart failure * Severe coagulopathy * Organ transplant patients * Metabolic alkalosis * Simultaneous participation in another interventional clinical trial (drugs or medical devices studies)