Impact of Transportation Methods and Injury Severity in Trauma Victims: Insights from Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria

Introduction: Trauma remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young populations globally, with Nigeria being no exception. This study examines the relationship between transportation methods and injury severity among trauma victims. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out using the data obtained from 24 Federal Tertiary Hospitals across three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Results: Among the 4,851 trauma cases analyzed, public taxis and private cars emerged as the most common means of transportation to healthcare facilities. However, the data revealed a concerning trend: patients transported by ambulance were associated with more severe injury outcomes. Logistic regression analysis further confirmed that those conveyed by ambulance had significantly higher odds of experiencing severe injuries. This counterintuitive finding underscores the urgent need to rethink and improve pre-hospital care in Nigeria. Conclusion: The study advocates for the development of a robust and well-coordinated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) infrastructure that can better serve trauma victims and potentially alter these severe outcomes. By shedding light on these critical issues, the findings aim to inform policy development and strengthen trauma care systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where such improvements are most needed.