Novel coronavirus and trauma surgery: successful infection control from a level I trauma centre

Jávor, Péter; Varga, Endre; Fekete, Károly; Tóth, Ferenc; Hartmann, Petra

PURPOSE: In the absence of effective treatment options, the recent SARS-CoV2 pandemic poses a great challenge to the health and social sectors worldwide. Hereby, we would like to share our proposals in the hope that it will prove helpful for our colleagues in this difficult time. METHODS: The present recommendations are based on the opinion of experts as well as the experience of a group of traumatologists directly involved in the organization of traumatology wards. The reassignment of the healthcare personnel, the separation of the potentially infected patients and the different levels of restriction on the trauma care are all key elements of our protocol. RESULTS: Since the first SARS-CoV2-positive case was confirmed in Hungary, our trauma surgeons were able to avoid contamination with the help of the new guidelines, without reducing the quality of trauma care. CONCLUSION: Reasonably adjusted patient care protocols in every medical field are key to contain the spread of infection and to avoid public health crisis. Sharing experience can be an important element of a successful fight against the recent pandemic. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s00068-020-01435-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.