Evaluation of the interhospital patient transfer after implementation of a regionalized trauma care system (TraumaNetzwerk DGU®) in Germany.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate how many patients are being transferred between trauma centers and and their characteristics in the 2006 initiated TraumaNetzwerk DGU® (TNW). We further investigated the time point of transfer and differences in outcome, compared to patients not being transferred. We wanted to know how trauma centers judged the performance of the TNW in transfer. Method: (1) We analyzed the data of the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) from 2014-2018. Included were patients that were treated in German trauma centers, maximum AIS (MAIS) >2 and MAIS 2 only in case of admission on ICU or death of the patient. Patients being transferred were compared to patients who were not. Characteristics were compared, and a logistic regression analysis performed to identify predictive factors. (2) We performed a survey in the TNW focussing on frequency, timing and communication between hospitals and improvement through TNW. Results: Study I analyzed 143,195 patients from the TR-DGU. Their mean ISS was 17.8 points (SD 11.5). 56.4% were admitted primarily to a Level-I, 32.2% to a Level-II and 11.4% to a Level-III Trauma Center. 10,450 patients (7.9%) were transferred. 3,667 patients (22.7%) of the admitted patients of Level-III Center and 5,610 (12.6%) of Level-II Center were transferred, these patients showed a higher ISS (Level-III: 18.1 vs. 12.9; Level-II: 20.1 vs. 15.8) with more often a severe brain injury (AIS 3+) (Level-III: 43.6% vs. 13.1%; Level-II: 53.2% vs. 23.8%). Regression analysis showed ISS 25+ and severe brain injury AIS 3+ are predictive factors for patients needing a rapid transfer. Study II: 215 complete questionnaires (34%) of the 632 trauma centers. Transfers were executed within 2 h after the accident (Level-III: 55.3%; Level-II: 25.0%) and between 2-6 h (Level-III: 39.5%; Level-II: 51.3%). Most trauma centers judged that implementation of TNW improved trauma care significantly (Level III: 65.0%; Level-II: 61.4%, Level-I: 56.7%). Conclusion: The implementation of TNW has improved the communication and quality of comprehensive trauma care of severely injured patients within Germany. Transfer is mostly organized efficient. Predictors such as higher level of head injury reveal that preclinical algorithm present a potential of further improvement.

Effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on orthopedic trauma patients presenting in the emergency department of a maximum care hospital and level 1 trauma center.

INTRODUCTION: While overcrowding of emergency departments was often reported in the recent years, during the early phase of the pandemic, a reduction in patient numbers was seen. The aim of the current study was to describe the orthopedic trauma patient cohort presenting to the emergency department (ED) during the early pandemic period as compared to the cohort from the analogue time period 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center case-control study was performed. All the consecutive orthopedic trauma patients > 12 years presenting to the ED were included. Patients in the same time period in 2019 served as the control group. RESULTS: Compared to 2019, in 2020, 33% less patients presented in the emergency department. Patients treated in 2020 were significantly older, significantly more often brought to ED by emergency medical services and significantly more often admitted. The number of fractures and diagnoses requiring surgical treatment decreased only slightly and the proportion of these patients among all the patients was significantly higher during the pandemic than in the control period. Furthermore, a higher percentage of polytrauma patients could be found in 2020 as well. Analysis of Manchester Triage System showed significantly less not urgent patients in 2020. CONCLUSION: The present study shows a significant decline in the number of patients treated in the ED during the pandemic period but at the same time almost identical numbers of patients with fractures or diagnoses requiring surgical treatment. In the context of an overall decline in patient numbers, a stronger concentration on level 1 trauma centers seems to be evident during the pandemic.

Percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation in fragility fractures of the pelvis: Comparison of two different augmentation techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) are becoming increasingly common. Percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation is an accepted and safe treatment method for FFP. Augmentation is an option to optimize fixation strength of the screws. This study aims to compare patient mobility and the occurrence of complications after operative treatment of FFP utilizing two different augmentation techniques. METHODS: All patients who received augmented sacroiliac screws for the treatment of FFPs between 01.01.2017 and 31.12.2018 at one of the two participating hospitals were included. The operative techniques only differed with regards to the augmentation method used. At the one hospital cannulated screws were used. Definitive screw placement followed augmentation. At the other hospital cannulated and fenestrated screws were used, permitting definitive screw placement prior to augmentation. RESULTS: In total, 59 patients were included. The NRS score for pain was significantly lower after surgery. Preoperative mobility levels could be maintained or improved in 2/3 of the patients. There were no fatal complications. Two revision surgeries were performed because of screw misplacement. There were no significant differences between the two augmentation techniques in terms of complications. CONCLUSION: Both augmentation techniques have a low complication rate and are safe methods to maintain patients' mobility level. The authors advocate early consideration of surgical treatment for patients with FFP. Augmentation can be considered a safe addition when performing percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation.

Pedicle screw accuracy in thoracolumbar fractures- is routine postoperative CT scan necessary?

BACKGROUND: While several studies report on accuracy rates of pedicle screws, risk factors associated with inaccurate pedicle screw positioning in patients with thoracolumbar fractures are reported rarely. CT scan as a routine postoperative control is advocated by various authors, however its necessity remains unclear. METHODS: Two hundred forty-five patients were included in this retrospective study. Percutaneous dorsal instrumentation was most commonly performed (n = 201). Classification of Zdichavsky et al. and Rao et al. were used to classify screw misplacement and anterior perforation was further evaluated according to the extent of perforation (< 2 mm; > 2 mm). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for misplacement of screws. RESULTS: One thousand sixty-eight pedicle screws were inserted in 245 patients. Misplacement was found in 51 screws (4.8%) in 42 patients (17.1%) according to the classification of Zdichavsky et al. and in 75 screws (7.0%) in 64 patients (26.1%) according to the classification of Rao et al.. An anterior perforation of the vertebral cortex was found in 56 screws (5.2%). Multivariate analysis showed fracture location in the upper thoracic (p = 0.048) and lumbar spine (p = 0.013) to be the only independent predictors for screw misplacement. In addition a significant correlation between pedicle diameter and the occurrence of screw malposition was found (p = 0.003). No consequences were drawn from postoperative routine CT in asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: An overall low rate of screw misplacement was found with fracture location in the upper thoracic and lumbar spine being the only factors independently associated with the risk of screw misplacement. No consequences were drawn from postoperative routine CT in asymptomatic patients. Therefore its use has to be discussed critically.

[Measurability of the quality of care of the severely injured]. / Messbarkeit der Qualität in der Schwerverletztenversorgung.

The care of severely injured patients is characterized by the heterogeneity of the clinical picture and the time-critical aspects of many forms of treatment in the acute phase, so that quality measurement and assessment is always complex. In order to be able to operate a meaningful and structured quality management the quality must be validly measured and it must be defined what quality is. To handle this complex picture the quality of care for the severely injured is divided into three levels: structural quality, process quality and outcome quality. With respect to structural quality there are clear guidelines for personnel and structural equipment of hospitals for the optimal care of severely injured patients. This is regularly checked in Germany through trauma center certification as part of the TraumaNetzwerk DGU®. Process quality can also be measured in the care of severely injured patients. With the TraumaRegister DGU® annual report in 2017, 14 newly developed quality indicators were introduced. Due to the comprehensive participation of hospitals in the TraumaRegister DGU® structured external quality assurance is possible in addition to internal process analysis. With respect to the quality of the outcome patient reported outcome measures (PROM) have become increasingly more important in addition to the mortality. The PROMs that are used to assess the consequences of injuries are typically multidimensional and capture not only aspects of physical health but also enable self-assessment of the mental health status by the patient.

Stability of internal versus external fixation in osteoporotic pelvic fractures - a biomechanical analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis-related fragility fractures of the pelvic ring (FFP) differ fundamentally from pelvic fractures in younger patients. However, very little is known about biomechanical stability of different osteosynthesis procedures addressing the anterior pelvic ring in these fractures. The aim of this study was to compare standard external fixation with internal fixation using a novel screw-and-rod system in osteoporotic fractures of the pelvic ring in terms of stiffness, plastic deformation and maximum load under cyclic loading in a human cadaveric model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 embalmed osteoporotic cadaver pelvis specimens were randomized based on the T-score into a group for external fixation and a group for internal fixation. FFP type-IIB fractures were created. In addition to the external or internal fixator, a cement-augmented sacroiliac screw was implanted. Afterwards, axial cyclic loading was performed in a testing setup simulating one-leg stand. RESULTS: Mean plastic deformation and stiffness both were significantly better in the internal fixation group than in the external fixation group (plastic deformation: 0.37 mm (SD: 0.23) versus 0.71 mm (SD: 0.26), p = 0.011; stiffness: 43.69 N/mm (SD: 18.39) versus 26.52 N/mm (SD: 9.76), p = 0.029). Maximum load did not differ significantly between internal fixator (506.3 N; SD: 129.4) and external fixator (461.1 N; SD: 147.4) (p = 0.515). CONCLUSIONS: Submuscular internal fixation might be an interesting alternative to external fixation in clinical practice because of better biomechanical properties as well as several advantages in clinical use.

[Early clinical care strategy for severely injured patients with abdominal trauma]. / Frühe klinische Versorgungsstrategien für schwerverletzte Patienten mit Abdominaltrauma.

BACKGROUND: The presence of abdominal injuries has a major impact on the mortality of severely injured patients. For injuries that require surgery, laparotomy is still the gold standard for early surgical care; however, there is increasing evidence that laparoscopy may be an alternative in the early clinical care of polytrauma patients. OBJECTIVE: The present registry-based study analyzed the utilization and the outcome of laparoscopy in severely injured patients with abdominal trauma in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 12,447 patients retrieved from the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) was performed. The primary inclusion criteria were an injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 9 and an abbreviated injury scale (AIS) [abdomen] ≥ 1. The included patients were grouped according to early treatment management: (1) laparoscopy, (2) laparotomy and (3) non-operative management (NOM). Finally, group-specific patient characteristics and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of patients were treated by NOM (52.4%, n = 6069), followed by laparotomy (50,6%, n = 6295) and laparoscopy (0.7%, n = 83). The majority of laparoscopies were performed in patients with an AIS [abdomen] ≤ 3 (86.7%). The ISS of the laparoscopy group was significantly lower compared to that of the laparotomy and NOM groups (ISS 23.4 vs. 34.5 vs. 28.2, respectively, p ≤ 0.001). The standardized mortality rate (SMR), defined as the ratio between observed and expected mortality, was lowest in the patients receiving laparoscopy followed by laparotomy and NOM (SMR 0.688 vs. 0.931 vs. 0.932, respectively, p-value = 0.2128) without achieving statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Despite being rarely employed the data indicate the effectiveness of laparoscopy for the early treatment of severely injured, hemodynamically stable patients with an AIS [abdomen] ≤ 3.

[Detection of malnutrition in geriatric trauma patients : A reassessment]. / Erfassung von Mangelernährung bei geriatrischen Traumapatienten : Eine erneute Bestandsaufnahme.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition in geriatric trauma patients is associated with an increased risk of complications and mortality and is therefore a key risk factor. The assessment of the affected patients plays an important role in improving the outcome of this growing patient group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2016 a questionnaire was sent to 571 departments specialized in traumatology and orthopedics throughout Germany. The following were recorded: level of care, expertise in geriatric trauma, nutrition-based screening procedures and nutritional ward round procedures. RESULTS: The response rate was 57% (n = 325) and closely reflected the treatment reality in Germany with respect to the level of care (superregional, regional or local trauma center and those without special qualifications). In 14% (n = 45) the participants were German Society for Trauma Surgery(DGU)-certified centers for age-related traumatology, while a further 5% (n = 15) were in the process of certification. The nutritional status was assessed in 56% (n = 181) of the clinics. Most frequently used was the body mass index (74%) followed by the mini nutritional assessment (30%), laboratory parameters (29%) and nutritional risk screening 2002 (19%). Some additional methods were specified. In approximately half of the departments nutritional ward rounds took place in regular wards (50%) and intensive care units (57%). DISCUSSION: The high response rate of this study seems to show the particular interest for malnutrition in geriatric trauma patients. This is reflected in an increase in the participating clinics compared to past surveys and also the more regularly performed assessment of nutritional status and implementation of nutritional visits. CONCLUSION: The establishment of suitable and time-effective screening instruments and their implementation are still a challenge.

Cement-augmented sacroiliac screw fixation with cannulated versus perforated screws - A biomechanical study in an osteoporotic hemipelvis model.

INTRODUCTION: Cement-augmentation is a well-established way to improve the stability of sacroiliac screw fixation in osteoporosis-associated fragility fractures of the posterior pelvic ring. However, to date little is known about the influence of different techniques of cement augmentation on construct stability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the primary stability of cement-augmented sacroiliac screw fixation with cannulated versus perforated screws under cyclic loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric hemipelvis specimens with osteoporosis were used. After generating ventral osteotomies on both sides of the sacrum, each specimen was treated using a cement-augmented cannulated screw on one side and a cement-augmented perforated screw on the other side. Afterwards, axial cyclic loading was performed. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between cannulated and perforated screws concerning maximum load (356.25 N versus 368.75 N, p = 0.749), plastic deformation (1.95 mm versus 1.43 mm, p = 0.798) and stiffness (27.04 N/mm versus 40.40 N/mm, p = 0.645). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the at least equivalent results for perforated screws, cement augmentation via perforated screws might be an interesting option in clinical practice because of potential advantages, e.g. radiological control before cement application, reduced risk of cement displacement and time saving.

One year after proximal or distal periprosthetic fracture of the femur -two conditions with divergent outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Arthroplasty of the hip and knee is 1 of the 20 most frequent operations in Germany. Periprosthetic fracture is one of the most feared complications following primary or revision arthroplasty. Present publication aims to analyse differences between patients with periprosthetic fracture around total knee arthroplasty (PFTKA) and patients with periprosthetic fracture around total hip arthroplasty (PFTHA) concerning demographics, clinical course, complications and return to pre-fracture mobility. METHODS: Prospective single-centre observation study of periprosthetic femoral fractures with stable implants. Present subgroup analysis includes patients with PFTKA and PFTHA. All patients were treated with polyaxial angular stable plates using two standardized techniques: a minimally invasive percutaneous distal insertion technique and a mini-open technique. Data collection included implant- and operation-related information as well as demographics, clinical course, complications and return to pre-fracture mobility. Data were collected during a 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: We were able to analyse the data of 73 patients. The PFTKA group had 37 patients with a mean age of 76 ±â€¯10 years; 88% were female. After 1 year, 3 patients in this cohort had died; 68% of survivors had reached their pre-fracture mobility; 22% had undergone operative revisions for various reasons. The PFTHA cohort included 36 patients with a mean age of 80 ±â€¯13 years, 72% were female. After 1 year, 9 patients had died in this cohort, 42% of survivors had reached their pre-fracture mobility. Non-operative complications occurred for 16% in the PFTKA group and 64% in the PFTHA group (p < 0.001). 11% had undergone operative revisions for various reasons, among them, two cases of nonunion but no primary infection. CONCLUSION: On average, compared to the PFTHA patients, PFTKA patients were younger, underwent significantly lower rates of non-operative complications, had a tendency towards lower mortality, and returned to pre-fracture mobility at higher rates, although they tended to have more revisions when compared to treatment for PFTHA. Overall, when periprosthetic fractures of the femur were treated using polyaxial locking plate osteosynthesis, patients showed very low rates of nonunion and no primary infection.

Hypothermia does not influence liver damage and function in a porcine polytrauma model.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies revealed evidence that induced hypothermia attenuates ischemic organ injuries after severe trauma. In the present study, the effect of hypothermia on liver damage was investigated in a porcine long term model of multi-system injury, consisting of blunt chest trauma, penetrating abdominal trauma, musculoskeletal injury, and hemorrhagic shockMETHODS: In 30 pigs, a standardized polytrauma including blunt chest trauma, penetrating abdominal trauma, musculoskeletal injury, and hemorrhagic shock of 45% of total blood volume was induced. Following trauma, hypothermia of 33∘C was induced for 12 h and intensive care treatment was evaluated for 48 h. As outcome parameters, we assessed liver function and serum transaminase levels as well as a histopathological analysis of tissue samples. A further 10 animals served as controls. RESULTS: Serum transaminase levels were increased at the end of the observation period following hypothermia without reaching statistical significance compared to normothermic groups. Liver function was preserved (p⩽ 0.05) after the rewarming period in hypothermic animals but showed no difference at the end of the observation period. In H&E staining, cell death was slightly increased hypothermic animals and caspase-3 staining displayed tendency towards more apoptosis in hypothermic group as well. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of hypothermia could not significantly improve hepatic damage during the first 48 h following major trauma. Further studies focusing on multi-organ failure including a longer observation period are required to illuminate the impact of hypothermia on hepatic function in multiple trauma patients.

[Advance directives in clinical practice : Living will, healthcare power of attorney and care directive]. / Vorausverfügungen im klinischen Alltag : Patientenverfügung, Vorsorgevollmacht und Betreuungsverfügung.

In clinical practice, situations continuously occur in which medical professionals and family members are confronted with decisions on whether to extend or limit treatment for severely ill patients in end of life treatment decisions. In these situations, advance directives are helpful tools in decision making according to the wishes of the patient; however, not every patient has made an advance directive and in our experience medical staff as well as patients are often not familiar with these documents. The purpose of this article is therefore to explain the currently available documents (e.g. living will, healthcare power of attorney and care directive) and the possible (legal) applications and limitations in the routine clinical practice.

[Advance directives in clinical practice : Living will, healthcare power of attorney and care directive]. / Vorausverfügungen im klinischen Alltag : Patientenverfügung, Vorsorgevollmacht und Betreuungsverfügung.

In clinical practice, situations continuously occur in which medical professionals and family members are confronted with decisions on whether to extend or limit treatment for severely ill patients in end of life treatment decisions. In these situations, advance directives are helpful tools in decision making according to the wishes of the patient; however, not every patient has made an advance directive and in our experience medical staff as well as patients are often not familiar with these documents. The purpose of this article is therefore to explain the currently available documents (e.g. living will, healthcare power of attorney and care directive) and the possible (legal) applications and limitations in the routine clinical practice.

[Advance directives in clinical practice : Living will, healthcare power of attorney and care directive]. / Vorausverfügungen im klinischen Alltag : Patientenverfügung, Vorsorgevollmacht und Betreuungsverfügung.

In clinical practice, situations continuously occur in which medical professionals and family members are confronted with decisions on whether to extend or limit treatment for severely ill patients in end of life treatment decisions. In these situations, advance directives are helpful tools in decision making according to the wishes of the patient; however, not every patient has made an advance directive and in our experience medical staff as well as patients are often not familiar with these documents. The purpose of this article is therefore to explain the currently available documents (e.g. living will, healthcare power of attorney and care directive) and the possible (legal) applications and limitations in the routine clinical practice.

[Advance directives in clinical practice : Living will, healthcare power of attorney and care directive]. / Vorausverfügungen im klinischen Alltag : Patientenverfügung, Vorsorgevollmacht und Betreuungsverfügung.

In clinical practice, situations continuously occur in which medical professionals and family members are confronted with decisions on whether to extend or limit treatment for severely ill patients in end of life treatment decisions. In these situations, advance directives are helpful tools in decision making according to the wishes of the patient; however, not every patient has made an advance directive and in our experience medical staff as well as patients are often not familiar with these documents. The purpose of this article is therefore to explain the currently available documents (e.g. living will, healthcare power of attorney and care directive) and the possible (legal) applications and limitations in the routine clinical practice.

[Posterior cruciate ligament injuries]. / Verletzungen des hinteren Kreuzbands.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are still often overlooked and treatment of a ruptured PCL is inherently different in comparison to anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL). Conservative treatment is the first-line therapy for acute isolated PCL injuries leading to good clinical and biomechanical results. Injuries to the PCL combined with rupture of other stabilizing ligaments, such as the collateral ligaments or the posterolateral corner of the knee joint are treated surgically. The same is true for high grade chronic PCL insufficiency. Meticulous classification of PCL injuries taking all stabilizing factors of the knee joint as well as the time from injury into account are essential for successful treatment of PCL injuries.

[Interdisciplinary treatment in geriatric traumatology from the trauma surgeons' perspective : Results of a survey in Germany]. / Interdisziplinäre Behandlung in der Alterstraumatologie aus unfallchirurgischer Sicht : Ergebnisse einer deutschlandweiten Umfrage.

BACKGROUND: Many patients treated on trauma surgery wards are geriatric trauma patients. To improve treatment of these often multimorbid patients, various interdisciplinary treatment concepts have been established in Germany between trauma surgeons and geriatricians. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dissemination and the impact of the different orthogeriatric treatment concepts for geriatric trauma in Germany. Material and methods In March and April 2014 an electronic questionnaire for assessing the interdisciplinary treatment of geriatric trauma patients was sent to 691 medical directors of trauma surgery departments in Germany. RESULTS: A total of 259 (37 %) fully answered questionnaires could be analyzed. The analysis revealed that 70 % of all responding trauma surgery departments had an orthogeriatric treatment cooperation. Most of them reported having patient discharge agreements to geriatric rehabilitation facilities (59 %). Geriatric counseling services were reported by 39 % while 24 % reported having regular interdisciplinary visits and orthogeriatric wards were available in 13 %. The need for orthogeriatric services was considered to be high by 79 % of the participants and benefits especially for the patients were expected. These expectations were largely fulfilled. More than 70 % of respondents planned to intensify the orthogeriatric cooperation. In this context difficulties were seen in the lack of personnel resources, especially in a lack of geriatricians. CONCLUSION: The results of this survey underline the impact and the positive experiences in orthogeriatric services. Solutions have to be found to address the emerging problem of capacity constraints.

[Endoprostheses in geriatric traumatology]. / Endoprothetik in der Alterstraumatologie.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric traumatology is increasing in importance due to the demographic transition. In cases of fractures close to large joints it is questionable whether primary joint replacement is advantageous compared to joint-preserving internal fixation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the importance of prosthetic joint replacement in the treatment of geriatric patients suffering from frequent periarticular fractures in comparison to osteosynthetic joint reconstruction and conservative methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A selective search of the literature was carried out to identify studies and recommendations concerned with primary arthroplasty of fractures in the region of the various joints (hip, shoulder, elbow and knee). RESULTS: The importance of primary arthroplasty in geriatric traumatology differs greatly between the various joints. Implantation of a prosthesis has now become the gold standard for displaced fractures of the femoral neck. In addition, reverse shoulder arthroplasty has become an established alternative option to osteosynthesis in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures. Due to a lack of large studies definitive recommendations cannot yet be given for fractures around the elbow and the knee. Nowadays, joint replacement for these fractures is recommended only if reconstruction of the joint surface is not possible. CONCLUSION: The importance of primary joint replacement for geriatric fractures will probably increase in the future. Further studies with larger patient numbers must be conducted to achieve more confidence in decision making between joint replacement and internal fixation especially for shoulder, elbow and knee joints.

Preventable and potentially preventable deaths in severely injured patients: a retrospective analysis including patterns of errors.

PURPOSE: Analyzing preventable and potentially preventable deaths is a well-known procedure for improving trauma care. This study analyzes preventable and potentially preventable deaths in German trauma patients. METHODS: Patients aged between 16 and 75 years with an Injury Severity Score >15 who were primary admitted from July 2002 to December 2011 were analyzed in this study. Data from the patients' hospital records were retrospectively analyzed, and cases were categorized as preventable, potentially preventable, and non-preventable deaths. In addition, trauma management was screened for errors. RESULTS: 2304 patients were admitted from July 2002 to December 2011. 763 of which fulfilled the defined criteria. The mortality rate was 25.3 %. Eight cases (4.2 %) were declared as preventable deaths and 31 cases (16.1 %) as potentially preventable deaths. The most common errors in preclinical trauma care related to airway management. The main clinical error was insufficient hemorrhage control. Fluid overload from infusion was the second most common fault in both. CONCLUSIONS: Preventable and potentially preventable errors still occur in the treatment of severely injured patients. Errors in hemorrhage control and airway management are the most common human treatment errors. The knowledge of these errors could help to improve trauma care in the future.