Trauma is one of the main causes for mortality and morbidity in young productive population in the world. Even in sri lanka there is no difference to this. Road traffic accidents, domestic, occupational and sports accidents account for major part of it.
At present in sri lanka war and war related injuries also have contributed to cripple the young population.

There is a trimodal distribution of deaths in trauma.First peak due to severe unpreventable heart and brain injuries occur at the scene of accident. Second peak which occurs within few hours due to bleeding and breathing problems is very important since it can be prevented if attended at correct time by the correct person. Third peak occurs several days later during hospital stay due to infections and other problems.

As public it is very important to know what to do and what not to do. Basic idea about first aid, correct mode of transfer with due care to spinal cord, mode of transfer(bending the patient in a three wheeler should be avoided)and immediate transfer is of utmost importance. Bleeding should be stopped with direct pressure over wound and tourniquate should be avoided. Triage; sorting or prioritizing needy patients is also important in case of a disaster where there are lot of patients.

Samira Janaka Jayasinghe
Senior registrar in general surgery