An assessment of trauma management in the Wellington region

Trauma is one of the leading causes of death and disability. In an effort to reduce mortality and morbidity from trauma changes to the methods of delivery of trauma care have been proposed, with the establishment of trauma units in Europe and the United States. There is little data to support the efficacy of these changes. This study reports the results of management of 311 multiple trauma victims from the time of the accident until the final outcome was known. The results cast doubt on some of the claims made which have been used to justify the establishment of trauma units.