Advancing Trauma Care in Sri Lanka: System Overview and Developmental Priorities

Abstract

Trauma is a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity, with road traffic injuries being a significant contributor, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). With 25,000 road traffic accidents annually, Sri Lanka faces a substantial trauma burden, making it the leading cause of hospitalisation. Effective trauma systems, encompassing prevention, pre-hospital care, in-hospital treatment, rehabilitation, and planning, are crucial for improving patient outcomes and alleviating strain on the healthcare system. This review examines the key components of trauma systems and evaluates Sri Lanka's current trauma care infrastructure, identifying gaps and areas for improvement. Despite initiatives such as injury prevention programs, the establishment of pre-hospital ambulance services, and the introduction of emergency medicine specialists, Sri Lanka lacks a well-defined trauma pathway, standardized protocols, and adequate training for emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The recent development of a trauma registry in the northern region highlights the need for improved data collection and resource allocation. Challenges such as poor communication, limited public awareness of emergency services, and insufficient EMT training hinder the effectiveness of pre-hospital care. To strengthen its trauma system, Sri Lanka must prioritize the implementation of national trauma policies, enhance training programs, improve communication pathways, and expand the trauma registry nationwide. Addressing these issues requires recognising the multifactorial nature of implementing systemic improvements, which includes financial investment, political commitment, and a coordinated effort to create a standardized, efficient trauma care system that can reduce mortality and improve outcomes for trauma patients.

Keywords: disaster medicine; emergency medical services (ems); prehospital care; public health policy; road traffic accidents (rtas); sri lanka healthcare system; trauma care in low-income countries (lics); trauma registry; trauma rehabilitation; trauma systems.