Prehospital trauma care systems - World Health Organization

2. Introduction
2.1 Injury prevention and control: the magnitude of the problem
Every year, approximately 5 million people worldwide die from injuries (1). In 2002, road
traffic-related injuries, self-inflicted injuries, interpersonal violence, burns and drowning
were among the 15 leading causes of death occurring among people aged between 5
years and 44 years (Table 1) (2). In addition to the millions who die each year, millions
more are temporarily or permanently disabled.This toll is expected to increase in coming
years (3).
Injuries, whether due to road traffic crashes, violence or other causes, affect not
only the immediate victim, but also his or her family and members of the surrounding
community. Injuries exact a large societal and economic toll on society.The economic
burden of injury is great – both in terms of the direct costs of medical care and the
indirect economic costs of premature death and disability.This burden is magnified when
one or more family members are forced to leave work to care for a disabled family
member or relative. Countless hours of productivity are lost as family, friends and society
adapt to the death or disability of loved ones.
Rates of injury are high, particularly in the developing world. Numerous factors
contribute to the high rate of injury in developing countries.These include, but are not
limited to, hazardous environments and workplaces, income and gender inequalities,
poorly designed roads, inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations, poorly maintained
motor vehicles, alcohol abuse, lack of efficient emergency medical response systems and
overburdened health-care infrastructures.
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