O7: Orthopedic Trauma Surgery in Germany-Influence on a Better Road Safety

Each year over 50 million humans are injured worldwide in traffic accidents (WHO). 1,200000 fatalities are registered at the same time. Everybody agrees, that we must fight against. Beside law enforcement, education, car technology and road construction a well organized rescue chain is mandatory, chain links are: Emergency call center (Europe TEL. 112), SAR system, Treatment in a competent hospital, Early rehabilitation. In Germany the trauma surgeon is the "Team Leader" Emergency medical doctors (trauma surgeon, anesthologist …) are treating the polytrauma patient at the scene. By helicopter or ambulance the patient is transported to a trauma center with the necessary specialists (neurosurgeon, visceralsurgeon, orthopedic trauma surgeon). The knowledge of all trauma centers is collected in a register and shared with the governement (laws), car manufactorers (safer cars) and all interested institutions. It is evidence based that due to this organisation the number of fatalities and heavy injuries are diminished from year to year, not only in Germany but in all European countries as well.