Epidemiology and outcomes for level 1 and 2 traumas during the first wave of COVID19 in a Canadian centre

Abstract

Abstract To determine if lockdown measures imposed during the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic affected trauma patterns, volumes, and outcomes in a western Canadian level 1 trauma center, we performed a retrospective cohort study assessing level 1 and 2 trauma patients presenting to our center during the initial COVID19 “lockdown” period (March 15–June 14, 2020) compared to a similar cohort of patients presenting during a “control” period 1 year prior (March 15–June 14, 2019). Overall, we saw a 7.8% reduction in trauma volumes during the lockdown period, and this was associated with a shorter average ED length of stay (6.2 ± 4.7 h vs. 9.7 ± 11.8 h, p = 0.003), reduced time to computed tomography (88.5 ± 68.2 min vs. 105.1 ± 65.5 min, p < 0.001), a reduction in intensive care unit admissions (11.0 ± 4.9% vs. 20.0 ± 15.5%, p = 0.001), and higher injury severity score (6.5 ± 7.6 vs. 6.2 ± 9.5, p = 0.04). Our findings suggest that lockdown measures imposed during the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic had a significant impact on trauma patients.