Association of injury location to mortality

Editor's Note

Injury scene characteristics are linked to mortality, with odds of death highest for those injured in communities with higher median age or lower per capita income, and located farther from level 1 or 2 trauma centers, this study finds.

This study of 16,082 patients found the odds of death increased by 8% for every 5-mile increase in distance to the nearest trauma center and by 3% for every 5-year increase in neighborhood median age. Odds of death decreased by 26.6% when neighborhood per capita income was more than $25,000.

Characteristics of injury locations should be considered when planning trauma care systems and injury prevention efforts, the author say.

Question What is the association of injury incident location characteristics with mortality? Findings This cross-sectional study of 16 082 adults found an 8% increase in the odds of death for every 5-mile increase in distance to the nearest trauma center and an 3% increased odds of death for every 5-year increase in neighborhood median age.

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