Introduction and operation of a multiple trauma unit in a general hospital

Introduction: Although there is ample evidence on the importance of having good protocols for Trauma patient care, a teaching system for the personnel involved in this care is needed. Methods: The aim is to describe how we have organised the care for this type of patient in Torrevieja Hospital by creating a Trauma Surgery Unit, a Trauma Committee and a Trauma Team. We also describe how we have developed training in order to ensure personnel get the knowledge and skills to care for these patients correctly (Trauma Surgery Course). Results: We prospectively describe the results. Seventy-nine patients were attended to and 38% had sustained combined multiple injuries, 3S% isolated thoracic trauma, 15% combined thorax and abdomen, and 12% abdomen. The most frequent cause of trauma was traffic accident, closely followed by stab wounds. Trauma team activation was made in 27 cases. Overall mortality rate was 8.8%. During this period of time, 5 editions of the course have been given and 29.5% of the target personnel have already participated in them. Conclusions: We conclude by highlighting the importance of having adequate protocols for treating these patients and the correct means for teaching the personnel. (C) 2009 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.