PREHOSPITAL CLASSIFICATION COMBINED WITH AN IN-HOSPITAL TRAUMA RADIO SYSTEM RESPONSE REDUCES COST AND DURATION OF EVALUATION OF THE INJUREDPATIENT

Background. This study was undertaken to determine whether a prehospit al trauma classification system (PHTCS) in combination with an in-hosp ital trauma radio system response (IHTRSR) impacts emergency care of t he injured patient. Methods In 1991 our trauma center used no prehospi tal trauma classification system. A PHTCS was implemented in 1992, and in 1993 the PHTCS was integrated with an IHTRSR. Results. Implementat ion of the PHTCS and IHTRSR resulted in a significant reduction in the time required for initial evaluation of the trauma patient with all a ssociated reduction in cost Reduction in time of the initial trauma ev aluation was noted in both adult and pediatric populations, in patient s with a blunt mechanism of injury, and in the injured patients posing the greatest strain to health care resources. Conclusions, Integratio n of a PHTCS with an IHTRSR has a significant impact on the cost and t ime of emergency treatment of the trauma victim with no adverse effect on patient outcome. Use of an integrated trauma response provides cos t-effective and expeditious care of the injured patient and should be considered in trauma system development.