Traumatic injury in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Injury is a leading cause of mortality, hospitalised morbidity and disability in Australia and New Zealand. Of the many public health challenges facing clinicians on a daily basis, traumatic injury is one of the most significant. A large spectrum of injury severity may result, ranging from minor injuries which require little medical intervention through to severe multisystem trauma, requiring definitive management by an experienced multidisciplinary team. An improved understanding of the incidence and prevalence of trauma can empower clinicians of all levels of experience to contribute to improving the trauma system they work in at a local level. This paper provides an overview of the history and epidemiology of traumatic injury in Australia and New Zealand. The reading of this article and completion of revision questions is equivalent to 2h of self-directed learning.

Epidemiology of trauma patients attended by ambulance paramedics in Perth, Western Australia

“…Similar to previous studies we found MVAs to be the most frequent cause of untimely deaths . We also reported a mortality rate for those with the highest acuity level of 9.5%, which is considerably higher than the 3% reported in a similar Australian study .…”

“…Injury is a significant cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in both developed and developing countries . As well as potentially imposing significant disabilities on individuals of all ages both physically and psychologically, injuries can cause loss of potential years of life and the economic implications can be high . Trauma systems have been developed to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on society .…”

“…1,2 As well as potentially imposing significant disabilities on individuals of all ages both physically and psychologically, injuries can cause loss of potential years of life and the economic implications can be high. 1,3,4 Trauma systems have been developed to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on society. 5 These systems provide a multidisciplinary care strategy for seriously injured patients.…”

Hypocalcaemia and traumatic coagulopathy: an observational analysis

“…Globally, 11% of all mortality and 13% of disability‐adjusted life years are attributed to injury . Of all trauma‐related morbidity and mortality in adults, haemorrhagic shock continues to be the most important and preventable causative process .…”

Trauma and Stem Cells: Biology and Potential Therapeutic Implications

“…A coordinated approach to these areas of care has led to improved mortality rates [1,2,3] and reduced preventable mortality [4]. Optimal recovery from major tissue injury relies on a patient’s intrinsic biology and regenerative capacity.…”