Deaths from blunt trauma, after arrival at hospital: plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

In this retrospective review of 94 deaths from blunt trauma occurring after admission to the hospital, in the region of Northern Ireland, for the year of 2001, data is presented with reference to preventable deaths (10%). Comparison is made with previous audit from the year of 1981 (preventable death rate 16%). Adverse events continue to occur in relation to abdominal haemorrhage, and issues pertaining to multidisciplinary care.