Introduction. Never before have we seen an infectious disease as devastating and pervasive as COVID-19. It was first found in residents of Wuhan, China, in December 2019, The coronavirus pandemic has caused major healthcare challenges worldwide resulting in an exponential increase in the need for hospital support and intensive care. However, care for trauma patients can not be reduced or delayed.
Material and Methods: Our study included all patients with traumatic injuries who presented to the emergency departments (ED) of the University Hospital of Trauma in Tirana, Albania, between 1 January 2019 and 30 September 2019 (non-COVID) and 1 January 2020 and September 30, 2020 (COVID-19 period)…
Results: A 44% reduction in ED admissions for trauma patients were seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer patients suffered car- and sports-related injuries. Injuries after high-energy trauma were more severe in COVID-19. The severity of the injuries was higher, consequently, relatively more patients underwent OM during the COVID-19 period…
Injuries to the upper extremities were lower compared to the lower ones mainly constituting this difference. The mortality rate was highest during the pandemic…
Conclusions: The trauma emergency care measures we have provided can protect the medical staff involved in emergency care and ensure the timely timing of effective interventions during the outbreak of COVID-19. The health care of trauma patients remained high during the covid pandemic19. The results of this study can be used to optimize the use of hospital capacity and to predict health care planning in future outbreaks.
Keywords: Coronavirus, Trauma care, Injuries, Emergency department
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