Sick from what? Trauma during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• Trauma and acute care services remained operational, adapting to new protocols and resource limitations.
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) introduced a confounding factor in trauma patient management.

Observation:

• Two brothers with identical injury mechanisms presented simultaneously to the emergency department.
• One brother experienced respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• The other brother presented in hemorrhagic shock.

Findings:

• This case highlights the critical need to consider SARS-CoV-2 in the differential diagnosis for trauma patients.
• Simultaneous presentation of trauma and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection poses complex management dilemmas.
• Trauma care providers must be prepared for patients with concurrent critical illnesses.

Implications:

• Healthcare providers must integrate SARS-CoV-2 screening and management into trauma protocols.
• Adaptable strategies are essential for maintaining high-quality trauma care during public health crises.
• This case underscores the importance of rapid assessment and tailored treatment for trauma patients, especially those with co-existing infections.