Trauma Care and Coronavirus Disease

Van Dijck, Cedric P.; Lele, Abhijit V.; Nathwani, Rajen

The impact of the novel coronavirus (SARS-nCoV-2) on trauma care extends far beyond the direct consequences of an infection in an individual. The presence of this contagious disease in our society presents unprecedented challenges for healthcare systems, impacting the care for trauma patients on a system-wide level. The COVID-19 pandemic demands unseen system-wide measures by healthcare authorities to protect the public from this disease. Societal measures and restrictions change the epidemiology of trauma, prompting trauma care networks to adjust their operation. Ensuring continued access to trauma care aside navigating the local healthcare response to an expanding number of COVID-19 patients demands additional resources and updated standard protocols. On an individual level, all emergent admissions to trauma hospitals are to be considered cases to keep healthcare workers safe. Lastly, a trauma in a patient with COVID-19 can present with unique challenges.