EPIDEMIOLOGY OF TRAUMA

The scale of the trauma epidemic is defined, with a review of trauma data from across the world, and an international comparison is made of the involvement of anesthesiologists in the management of trauma.

Abstract

Injury is defined as physical harm or damage to the body resulting from an exchange of mechanical, chemical, thermal, or other environmental energy that exceeds the tolerance of the body.18 The words injury and trauma are interchangeable. The major subdivisions of trauma deaths are homicide, suicide, and unintentional. Unintentional is preferred to accidental, which implies that the injuries could not have been prevented. Trauma is the most serious public health problem facing developed societies today.2 In this review, the scale of the trauma epidemic is defined, with a review of trauma data from across the world. These include the causes of trauma, the outcome for its victims, and the costs trauma incurs. Anesthesiologists have a major role in the management of trauma patients. The extent of this role is outlined, and an international comparison is made of the involvement of anesthesiologists in the management of trauma.