This study was conducted to throw light on the nature and consequences of road traffic accidents (RTAs). In this retrospective study, the authors have studied and analyzed two-hundred and sixty-five (265) medical records in the Emergency Department of Prince Hashem Hospital (PHH), Zarqa, Jordan, during the first six-month period of 1996. The study showed that the percentage of RTAs was equal to 17.8% of the total number of emergency cases. The distribution of injuries according to the type of injury was mild (67.5%), moderate (26.8%), severe (3.4%), and fatal (2.3%). The distribution of injuries according to sites in the body was head and neck (13.2%), upper extremities (7.2%), lower extremities (8.3%), abdomen (4.2%), chest (3.8%), pelvis (1.1%), and multiple abrasions and contusions (62.2%). The majority of vehicular related trauma patients could be classified in the category of minor injuries. Head injuries form the most vulnerable site in the body to be injured as a result of RTAs. RTAs are considered a public health problem. It needs comprehensive strategies and policies to prevent occurrences before treating injuries. Continual medical teaching and training should be emphasized.
Abstract