Trauma system

Trauma systems are an integrated and systematic structure designed to facilitate and coordinate a multidisciplinary system response to provide optimal care to injured patients from onset of injury through rehabilitation and return of ideal functioning.^1,2

Care of seriously injured patients starts at the scene of injury, continues through the emergency department, and is expanded in the hospital, often in the radiology department, operating theatres, intensive care unit and the wards. Optimal care of injured patients is dependant on teamwork, smooth transitions, and the correct sequence of appropriate interventions. In the care of injured patients, the good will, capability and knowledge of experts is not enough; clinicians require a system of supporting equipment, resources, and personnel.³ Mortality has been shown to be reduced by 9% with the establishment of a well organised state trauma system.⁴

The main objective of an established trauma system is to get the right patient at the right hospital in the right time receiving the right care.

• NSW trauma system
• Injury prevention
• Pre-hospital and retrieval services
• NSW trauma services
• NSW Trauma Services Model of Care (2019)
• NSW trauma networks
• Statewide specialist services
• Trauma verification
• Monitoring of the NSW trauma system
• History of the NSW trauma system

References

1. Mullins, Richard; Mann, Clay (1999). "Introduction to the Academic Symposium to Evaluate Evidence Regarding the Efficacy of Trauma Systems". Journal of Trauma 47 (Supplement 3): S3-S7.
2. Committee on Trauma (1999). Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient: 1999. Chicago: American College of Surgeons.
3. Mullins, Richard (1999). "A Historical Perspective of Trauma System Development in the United States". Journal of Trauma 47 (Supplement 3): S8-S14.
4. Nathens, Avery; et al (2000). "Effectiveness of State Trauma Systems in Reducing Injury-Related Mortality: A National Evaluation". Journal of Trauma 48 (1): 25.