A five year review of deaths following trauma.

At Port Moresby General Hospital a retrospective analysis of 305 deaths that occurred between 1976 and 1980 following trauma was conducted. As road traffic accident fatalities made up 56% of all fatalities a more detailed analysis of the different factors involved in such accidents was made. Results show that 82% of the victims of road traffic accidents fatalities were below 35 years of age and that 57% of fatal accidents occurred during the period Friday to Sunday. Evidence of recent alcohol consumption was found in 85% of drivers involved in accidents. Eighteen out of 20 pedestrians tested had also been drinking alcohol. The overall incidence of head injuries was 65.5%. Chest injury was seen in 51% of cases. Sixty-six per cent of the victims died either at the site of the accident or before any effective treatment could be offered. Among the non-road traffic accident fatalities 21% of subjects with blunt and sharp penetrating injuries had a blood alcohol level exceeding 80 mg per 100 ml. Several measures have been recommended to prevent or to reduce the incidence of traumatic deaths in this country.