Acute injuries have been considered the “number one killer and major cause of disability of children and young people” for more than 20 years[1] and the “neglected disease of modern society” for more than 50 years[2]. In those countries that have replaced the concept of “accident” by “facts and injuries” and focused on acute injury/trauma as an integral, inclusive and undivided entity, significant progress has been made in the reduction of deaths and disability[3,4]. However, in most countries, acute injuries (trauma) are still typically considered as “accidents” with little research effort committed to studying and reducing this disease. Considering trauma as a disease with an integrated comprehensive approach in the health agenda will allow countries not only to control but to prevent trauma. It is time for all countries to make this transition and declare trauma as a disease.
IAP_Trauma_Statement