Nels D. Sanddal

TL;DR: The development of an evidence-based guideline for external hemorrhage control in the prehospital setting is described and a clinical care guideline is proposed for adoption by EMS systems.

TL;DR: The rural preventable death rate from trauma is not dissimilar to that found in urban areas before the implementation of a trauma care system, and inappropriate care rendered in the emergency department related to airway and chest injury management occurs at a high rate.

TL;DR: Implementation of a voluntary trauma system has positive effects on PDR and inappropriate care and Mandated and funded system policies may further influence care positively.

TL;DR: The preventable death rate from trauma demonstrated in Utah is similar to that found in other settings where the trauma system is under development but has not reached full maturity and resource organization and education of ED primary care providers in basic principles of stabilization and initial treatment may be the most cost-effective method of reducing preventable deaths.

TL;DR: Education of ED primary care providers in basic principles of stabilization and initial treatment of the injured child 14 years old or younger may be the most effective method of reducing preventable trauma deaths in the rural setting.