Principles of trauma management

Injury is a major economic burden to societies such as Australia. The most recent estimates from the late 1990s put the total economic burden on Australia’s economy annually at A$13.3 billion, including both direct and indirect costs. Injury is the most frequent cause of death in Australians less than 45 years of age, and is a major cause of death in all age groups. It accounts for more years of productive life lost than cancer and heart disease combined. The major impact of injury deaths and disability is borne by the young adult segment of the population and disproportionately by males. Of injury-related admissions to Major Trauma Services, approximately 30% are road traffic related. These account for approximately 75% of those with serious injury and about 75% of those who die in hospital from injury.