Latin America trauma systems-Mexico and Brazil

Abstract

In this brief review, the authors describe the main characteristics of trauma systems in Latin America's 2 most populous countries, Mexico and Brazil. Trauma is a common health problem and the major cause of death in the young populations in both countries. Mexico and Brazil have well-organized systems based on system designation and prehospital triage. The highest level trauma hospitals are only available in the biggest cities, with residents of the smaller cities having less access to quality care. Both countries can provide adequate musculoskeletal trauma and polytrauma care, but the systems are not universally equal and, therefore, not ideal. The lack of consistency and standardization of the systems across each country must be addressed to improve patient outcomes across each country.

Keywords: accident prevention; developing countries; emergency care; public health; traffic accidents; trauma.