Abstract:
Introduction
Trauma is one of the main causes of hospital morbidity and mortality.
Material and methods
Descriptive study which included 110 consecutive patients who presented to the
Professorial Surgical Unit ,NCTH, Ragama as the first contact hospital following
trauma during the period of 3 months from 1st of April 2009 to 1st of July 2009
Data was collected by interviewer administered questionnaire from the day of admission to day of
discharge.
Results
• Demographic details
The mean age of trauma victim was 34 (17-68) years and 71% (n=78) were males. 11.5% (n=23)
victims were daily paid manual workers. Among all victims of trauma 77% (n=70) were to be
educated up to O/L or more. 42% (n=46) were single.
• Mode of presentation of all admissions
The analysis revealed 56% (n=61) of trauma were due to road traffic accidents and 13.5% (n=14)
due to occupational hazards. 39.1% (n= 43) had head injury and 12% (n=11) had hand injury.
• Contributory factors
At the time of admission13.5% (n=13) were under the influence of alcohol, 66.5% (n=73) had
sleep deprivation(less than 6 hours of sleep), 65.4% (n=68) of trauma were high velocity injuries,
57.6% (n=60) had not used protective devices.
• Other factors influencing the outcome
57.7% (n=60) had not had first aid and 15.7% (n=15) had delay for more than 2 hours in reaching
the hospital.
• Outcome
65.4% (n=68) of trauma victims were discharged before 7 days after admission and 1.9% (n=2)
died and 1.9 % (n=2) ended up with amputation.
Discussion and conclusion
Our study shows the importance of wearing protective devices, controllable speed, avoidance of
sleep deprivation and abstinence from intoxicating liquor as primary prevention and practicing
first aid measures, early access to medical facility as secondary preventive measures in order to
achieve SAFE TOMORROW.
