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. 2022 Jan;46(1):3-11.
doi: 10.1007/s00264-021-05213-z. Epub 2021 Sep 14.

"Trauma-the forgotten pandemic?"

Affiliations

"Trauma-the forgotten pandemic?"

Nigel D Rossiter. Int Orthop. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Global annual deaths from Trauma are greater than any other single cause in the global working population, and, more than all contagious diseases added together including COVID-19. The number of people injured, either temporarily or permanently, is greater than any other medical condition. This problem affects Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) disproportionately. The numbers are so great as to cause "zone out" and present a human rights issue. This is a particular issue as Trauma presently receives less than 1% of global healthcare funding. This article will highlight and discuss many of the issues and raise some uncomfortable arguments showing that improvement is needed, necessary and achievable.

Keywords: Advocacy; Global; Improvement; LMIC; Trauma.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Trauma-related deaths every year
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Traumatic injury: LMIC road traffic
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Traumatic injury: LMIC transport - motorcycle
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Traumatic injury: LMIC transport - rail
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Traumatic injury: LMIC transport - truck
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Road-related trauma
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
N American intersection
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
UK intersection
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
LMIC transport of the injured
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
PTC (Primary Trauma Care) training, designed to teach life saving techniques, concepts and communication
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
Primary Trauma Care in action “in the field”
Fig. 12
Fig. 12
Resuscitation in an LMIC
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Fig. 13
HIC Trauma clinic waiting room
Fig. 14
Fig. 14
Result of non-existent rehabilitation in an LMIC

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