Trauma leading cause of death

By Ioana Tupa'i 10 November 2017, 12:00AM

Trauma is increasingly becoming a significant cause of death in the developing world and Samoa is no exception.

And to help address this, representatives from Fire Services Department, District Health Nurses and students from the Faculty of Medicine took part in a two-day Primary Trauma Care Course held at the National Health Service conference room at Motootua.

According to a recent audit of trauma cases at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in 2014-2015, there were 600 cases of trauma.

Some 45 percent relate to road traffic accidents, 43 percent relate to falls and about half of the total cases were related to assault injuries and natural disasters.

Local Primary Trauma Care Coordinator, Dr. Lamour Hansell, said the most important message for members of the public is that these can be stopped.

“This shows that these three leading causes of trauma can be prevented and the public needs to be aware of it,” he said.

The training was designed to empowering and build the capacity for front line staff members to recognise life threatening conditions.

Dr. Lamour thanked the National Health Services General Manager, Palanitina Tupuimatagi Toelupe, for initiating and supporting course this year.

By Ioana Tupa'i 10 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>