Introduction to algorithms for managing the common trauma patient

Abstract

It has been four years since I wrote an editorial in
the SAMJ relating to the problems of trauma in
South Africa (SA). I was more optimistic, naïve
perhaps, and looking for meaningful change. In the
face of the daily carnage from road accidents and
interpersonal violence, I asked, ‘is 2011 the year we will stand up
and do something?’ – apparently not. We continue to face the same
onslaught, the same 1 200 deaths on our roads each month, and
the same number of violent attacks of one man (it is usually men)
on another human being. Trauma is an epidemic and, as with any
other epidemic, demands policy intervention, preventive measures
and provision of care.