Analysis of 425 Consecutive Trauma Fatalities

This series confirms that the young "productive age group is most at risk for accidental death" and regionalization of trauma centers may aid in the reduction of mortality from accidental death.

Abstract

Four hundred and twenty-five trauma deaths were reviewed. This series confirms that the young productive age group is most at risk for accidental death. In this series, 44.9% of the deaths were due to brain injury, subdural or epidural hematomas. Thirty-five percent of the deaths were due to hemorrhage and probably represent the most potentially salvageable group. Eight patients had preventable deaths, and eleven patients had possible preventable deaths. Prevention of these deaths is dependent upon adequate ambulance personnel, physician judgment, quality of assessment and aggressive resuscitation and treatment. Regionalization of trauma centers may aid in the reduction of mortality from accidental death.