The association of advanced life support training and decreased per capita trauma death rates: an analysis of 12,417 trauma deaths
Messick, W.J.; Rutledge, R.; Meyer, A.A.
Journal of Trauma 33(6): 850-855
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5282 PMID: 1474627 Document Number: 389604
This study identified a number of significant predictors of per capita county trauma mortality rates: rurality, percentage nonwhite population, percentage unemployment, and Advanced Life Support (ALS) versus Basic Life Support (BLS) status. Of these, ALS versus BLS status is not only the most significant independent predictor, it is the only predictor readily amenable to change. The aspects of ALS clearly associated with decreased trauma death rates should be identified and, if possible, undergo widespread implementation.