Introduction & Overview

Question 1

What is the Golden hour?

Answer 1

The window of opportunity during which doctors can have a positive impact on the mortality and morbidity associated with trauma.

Question 2

Mortality from trauma world-wide?

Answer 2

• 5.8 million die yearly
• Injury is 18% of world burden of disease
• Trauma leading cause of death developing countries aged 1-44yo
• MVC leading cause of death (motor vehicle crashes)

Question 3

Detail the trimodal death distribution?

Answer 3

First peak - Secs to mins (Apnoea + certain death) - Can’t be saved

Second peak - mins to hours (SDH, EDH, PTX, visceral lacerations & pelvis fractures) - Blood loss

Third peak - Days to weeks (Sepsis, MOF)

Question 4

How can we prevent the first peak of death during trauma?

Answer 4

Only prevention can help otherwise patient dies

Question 5

How can we prevent the second peak of death?

Answer 5

Rapid assessment and resuscitation