Impact of Trauma on Society

Abstract

Trauma is a major cause of fatality and disability worldwide and therefore an important public health problem. Furthermore, trauma is the leading cause of death among children and young adults. In many countries across Europe, North America, and Australia, trauma registries were established providing reliable informations on injuries as well as on rescue systems, treatments, and outcome. However, there are many regions in Asia and Africa without highly developed rescue systems and public health care. In these regions a trauma may be regarded as a sad destiny. In the majority of damage events, classified as minor injury, a “restitutio ad integrum” is achieved. In contrast, severe injuries may result in disabilities or even in death. Injuries comprise serious health care costs, posing a tremendous burden on the society. In addition, productivity loss due to injury adds up to the costs. The impact of trauma on the individual including his family as well as on the society depends clearly on the severity of injury. Getting back to daily activities, focusing on personnel well-being, minimizing productivity loss, disability following injury, chronic pain, psychologic implications have to be considered. Losing control over personal well-being as well as social environment may be the worst-case scenario.