Hughes in good hands: doctors

Swift medical attention has given Phil Hughes the best possible chance for a positive outcome.

The CPR and excellent hospital care given to cricketer Phillip Hughes has given him the best possible chance of recovery, a leading emergency doctor says.

Hughes, 25, is in an induced coma and fighting for his life following emergency surgery to reduce pressure on his brain after he was struck on the head by a bouncer at the SCG on Tuesday.

The president of the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine, Anthony Cross, said Hughes' treatment would involve doing further scans and monitoring for swelling in the brain.

Dr Cross, who has not been involved in treating Hughes, said a ball travelling at speeds of around 145km/h that impacts the cerebellum or "little brain" region at the back of the head could inflict incredible damage.

"He sustained the blow and then a few seconds later collapsed.

"There would rapidly be some bleeding inside or around the brain, which leads to a build up of pressure in an important part of the brain which is responsible for his balance and wakefulness.

"When he had the operation on Tuesday they would have made sure there was no further bleeding and stopped it if that was the case.

"I suspect they may have taken part of the skull off to allow a bit of space, if there is swelling then it can swell without compressing structures inside the skull.

"And then I understand he's been sedated, put in an induced coma, and the idea there is to allow a bit of time to see what happens with swelling."

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Hughes in good hands: doctors