Medics call for trauma networks to save lives

The introduction of trauma networks in Ireland would save the lives of many of those who suffer serious injury as well as reducing the likelihood of permanent disability arising from accidents, a major medical conference heard yesterday.

International experience has shown that a properly resourced network of major trauma centres and trauma units improves the chances of patients surviving serious injury by as much as 50%.

The issue of trauma management was a hot topic at the conclusion of the annual scientific meeting of the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine which hosted national and international experts speaking on trauma networks as well as emergency and acute care systems.