New system of injury care urged

DEATHS caused by trauma could be cut by a third through proper care in the immediate aftermath of serious injury, according to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).

New guidelines published by the college say improved staff training, particularly of those involved in pre-hospital care, and improved transport to specialist care centres could prevent one in three trauma deaths.

Eight minutes is the maximum recommended time between an emergency call and the arrival of aid before lives are endangered, according to a separate report on ambulance services.