Current State of Trauma Services in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Trauma is a major public health problem in Saudi Arabia and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in young age groups. In 2018, traumatic injuries caused by road traffic accidents were the leading cause of death after ischemic heart diseases. Therefore, a new road safety system is important to reduce the incidence of road accident trauma. First aid care by bystanders to road accidents must be improved to become an effective part of pre-hospital care and avoid aggravation. Moreover, trauma centers need further training and education to provide a high level of trauma care. However, literature about trauma care in Saudi Arabia is lacking. Thus, this paper aims to provide an overview of the Saudi trauma system, emergency medical services, and healthcare providers’ training and education efforts.