In light of COVID-19, a downward trend in trauma volume is seen December to April in 2020.
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February through April showed an upward trend in 2018 and 2019, but a downward trend in 2020.
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In April 2020, there was 41.6% decline in total volume, a 47.4% decline in blunt trauma and no decrease in penetrating trauma.
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In contrast to previous months, the majority of injuries occurred in home zip codes in April.
Abstract
Background
A community lockdown has a profound impact on its citizens. Our objective was to identify changes in trauma patient demographics, volume, and pattern of injury following the COVID-19 lockdown.
Methods
A retrospective review was conducted at a Level-1 Trauma Center from 2017 to 2020.
Results
A downward trend in volume is seen December–April in 2020 (R2 = 0.9907). February through April showed an upward trend in 2018 and 2019 (R2= 0.80 and R2 = 0.90 respectively), but a downward trend in 2020 (R2 = 0.97). In April 2020, there was 41.6% decrease in total volume, a 47.4% decrease in blunt injury and no decrease in penetrating injury. In contrast to previous months, in April the majority of injuries occurred in home zip codes.
Conclusions
A community lockdown decreased the number of blunt trauma, however despite social distancing, did not decrease penetrating injury. Injuries were more likely to occur in home zip codes.
