Background
Throughout emergency departments worldwide, there is increasing awareness of the differences in presentations of major trauma in older patients compared to younger patients.
However, a big gap still remains in recognising and triaging the potential of major trauma in older patients.
There are four main reasons for under-recognition and under-triaging of major trauma in this demographic:
1. Mechanism of Injury
2. Differences in Anatomy and Physiology
3. Comorbidities, including frailty
4. Medication Usage
Dr. Martie Botha
MBChB FACEM
Consultant Trauma Service Royal Adelaide Hospital
Consultant Emergency Department Flinders Hospital