State trauma system reduces death in victoria

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A paper published in the Med Journal of Australia has shown a dramatic reduction in the risk of patients dying from their injuries since the introduction of the statewide Trauma System in 2001.
The full article can be read on this link. 
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/189_10_171108/cam10761_fm.html

The report also discusses the improvement in survival as a result of improved ambulance  systems where paramedics can transport a patient directly to a Trauma Centre rather than the closest hospital. There are three designated trauma centres in victoria - the Alfred and Royal Melbourne Hospitals, and the Royal Childrens Hospital.

Paramedics can liaise directly with medical staff at the trauma centres and arrange a direct transfer from the scene of the trauma via fixed or rotary wing aircraft, or road transfer if within metropolitan area. This has seen a huge increase of trauma patients transferred via primary transfer directly to the TC, rather than secondary transfers from rural or smaller metro facilities. 

One of the co-authors of the paper, A. Prof Tony Walker says that the increased skill level of paramedics has also contributed to the higher survival rate of patients as all paramadics in victoria are now trained to a base level of ALS. 

Jenny Moncur
IC paramedic
victoria, australia

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