ABSTRACT
Trauma originates from the Greek word meaning ‘wound’. It implies that a physical force exerted on a person has led to a physical injury. External energy forms and forces that can lead to injury include chemical, thermal, ionising radiation and, most frequently, those of mechanical origin. The degree and severity of trauma sustained can vary substantially and depend upon the magnitude of force exerted. Major trauma denotes injuries to more than one body region and organ system. In the next group of chapters, trauma will be examined from a variety of viewpoints, interconnected to different specialties. In this section we will examine the facets that bind the whole topic together.
