Citation

Melton SM, McGwin G, Abernathy JH, Maclennan PA, Cross JM, Rue LW. J. Trauma 2003; 54(2): 273-9; discussion 279.

Affiliation

Center for Injury Sciences and Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-0016, USA. sherry.melton@ccc.uab.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/01.TA.0000038506.54819.11

PMID

12579051

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To date, attempts to assess the relationship between motor vehicle collision (MVC)-related mortality and medical resources availability have largely been unsuccessful. METHODS: Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, prehospital resources, and hospital-based resources for each county (n = 67) in the state of Alabama was obtained. MVC-related mortality rates (deaths per 1,000 collisions) by county were calculated and compared according to prehospital and hospital-based resource availability within each county after correcting for sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: Counties with 24-hour availability of a general surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, computed tomographic scanner, and operating room were shown to have decreased MVC-related mortality (relative risk [RR], 0.88). The same was true for those counties with hospitals classified as Level I-II (RR, 0.71) and Level III-IV (RR, 0.83) trauma centers compared with counties with no trauma centers. CONCLUSION: Appropriate, readily available hospital-based resources are associated with lower MVC-related mortality rates. This information may be useful in trauma system planning and development.