Section 1. Setting the Scene

Trauma Prevention

Trauma prevention programs are a crucial component in a community's strategy to minimise the magnitude of trauma.

Primary prevention strategies that attempt to modify the behavioural and environmental factors that lead to trauma have been important in reducing the magnitude of trauma in Victoria. As such, the medical profession has been at the forefront of developing primary preventative strategies for many aspects of trauma. The intersectional leadership shown by organisations such as the TAC, Victoria Police, VicRoads and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) has made Victoria a world leader in implementing injury prevention strategies, including the use of seat belts and drink driving restrictions, speed cameras, bicycle helmets and workplace safety reforms.

The success of primary prevention programs is evident in the declining rates of trauma death in Victoria over the past 20 years. In particular, deaths from road traffic accidents have declined in all age groups (Figure 1.4).

Figure 1.4: Road Traffic Fatality Rate, Victoria 1979 - 1996

Source: Department of Human Services, Public Health and Development Branch, Victorian Burden of Disease Study

Fatality rates for other types of injuries have also shown a similar pattern (Figure 1.5). It is important to note that while the overall number of traumatic deaths in the elderly is decreasing, there is a high rate in this age group as a proportion of the population. This high rate is due, in part, to a reduced physiological capacity of the elderly to recover from trauma.

Figure 1.5: Other Injury Fatality Rate (Non-RoadTraffic), Victoria 1979 - 1996

Source: Department of Human Services, Public Health and Development Branch, Victorian Burden of Disease Study

However, despite the success of preventative programs, it is inevitable that some people will continue to suffer injury. The development of a systems approach to trauma care embraces not only the prevention of injuries but also the timely, efficient and effective management within the health system.