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World Journal of Surgery

Published in:

01-05-2013

Trauma-related Preventable Deaths in Berlin 2010: Need to Change Prehospital Management Strategies and Trauma Management Education

Authors: C. Kleber, M. T. Giesecke, M. Tsokos, N. P. Haas, C. T. Buschmann

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 5/2013

Abstract

Background

Fatal trauma is one of the leading causes of death in Western industrialized countries. The aim of the present study was to determine the preventability of traumatic deaths, analyze the medical measures related to preventable deaths, detect management failures, and reveal specific injury patterns in order to avoid traumatic deaths in Berlin.

Materials and methods

In this prospective observational study all autopsied, direct trauma fatalities in Berlin in 2010 were included with systematic data acquisition, including police files, medical records, death certificates, and autopsy records. An interdisciplinary expert board judged the preventability of traumatic death according to the classification of non-preventable (NP), potentially preventable (PP), and definitively preventable (DP) fatalities.

Results

Of the fatalities recorded, 84.9 % (n = 224) were classified as NP, 9.8 % (n = 26) as PP, and 5.3 % (n = 14) as DP. The incidence of severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) was significantly lower in PP/DP than in NP, and the incidence of fatal exsanguinations was significantly higher. Most PP and NP deaths occurred in the prehospital setting. Notably, no PP or DP was recorded for fatalities treated by a HEMS crew. Causes of DP deaths consisted of tension pneumothorax, unrecognized trauma, exsanguinations, asphyxia, and occult bleeding with a false negative computed tomography scan.

Conclusions

The trauma mortality in Berlin, compared to worldwide published data, is low. Nevertheless, 15.2 % (n = 40) of traumatic deaths were classified as preventable. Compulsory training in trauma management might further reduce trauma-related mortality. The main focus should remain on prevention programs, as the majority of the fatalities occurred as a result of non-survivable injuries.

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Title: Trauma-related Preventable Deaths in Berlin 2010: Need to Change Prehospital Management Strategies and Trauma Management Education
Authors: C. Kleber
M. T. Giesecke
M. Tsokos
N. P. Haas
C. T. Buschmann
Publication date: 01-05-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 5/2013
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-013-1964-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Trauma-related Preventable Deaths in Berlin 2010: Need to Change Prehospital Management Strategies and Trauma Management Education

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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