Trauma in South Africa

Abstract

Trauma care in South Africa has a number of unique challenges. South Africa is a large country with an uneven distribution of services; a restrictive infrastructure; severe financial restraints on the entire health system; and an overwhelming incidence of patients with human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome, and tuberculosis. Substance abuse and violence are common cofactors in trauma. A profile of injuries encountered in South Africa is discussed. (Int J Trauma Nurs 2001;7:129-32.)