Alcohol-related trauma. The surgeon's responsibility.

Four thousand fifty-six consecutive emergency room trauma visits in a small community hospital were evaluated to determine the extent of coexisting alcohol usage. The magnitude of the alcohol problem is documented in this series by the fact that more than 40% of the patients requiring admission had elevated blood alcohol tests. Eight of nine traumatic fatalities were alcohol-related. The need for early recognition of problem drinkers is emphasized by the fact that 85% of known alcoholics are not receiving formal treatment. Reasons for failure to recognize the problem are discussed. The responsibility of the surgeon aggressively to pursue early identification is stressed.