The HE injury mechanisms, time frames, and causes in our study are different from those in the earlier, seminal reports. The classic trimodal death distribution is much more skewed to early death. Exsanguination became as frequent as lethal head injuries, but the incidence of fatal MOF is lower than reported earlier. LE trauma is responsible for 41% of the postinjury mortality, with distinct epidemiology. The LE group deserves more attention and further investigation.

LE-PRF and HE-PRF are equally frequent among hospital admissions. They represent two distinct demographic groups with similar mortality rate. Most PRF-related deaths occur prehospitally. Bleeding remains the primary cause of PRF-related mortality in all groups.

No abstract