Trauma can result from road crashes, falls, burns, violence, sports injuries and many other situations. Some injuries are immediately obvious, while others may not become apparent until later.

World Trauma Day highlights the importance of preventing serious injuries while recognising the emergency teams who provide care when they happen.

After a significant injury, symptoms such as severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, confusion or suspected spinal injury require urgent medical attention.

In South Africa
emergency medical services can be reached on 10177, or 112 from a mobile phone.