Adam Brooks trained in hepatobiliary surgery, critical care and trauma surgery in the UK, South Africa, Australia and the USA. He has developed significant experience in the management of complex surgical patients and the breadth of surgical complications and their management. He has co-edited 4 surgical textbooks and written more than 30 chapters.

Peter Mahoney is a consultant in anaesthesia and resuscitation with the Defence Medical Services. He has worked in resource- limited areas with NGOs and has co-edited 3 text books (Ballistic Trauma, Conflict and Catastrophe, ABC of Conflict and Disaster).

Brian Rowlands is Professor of Surgery and Head of Critical care course at Nottingham and Chair of the RCS group working on the care of the critically ill patient (a course for surgical trainees). He will be President of the Assocn of Surgeons of GB and I in May 2007.