Trauma deaths in a rural area.

This study was undertaken in order to clarify the causes of death amongst rural trauma victims in Union County, Arkansas. Over a five-year time interval, seventy-two percent (n = 60) of the trauma deaths occurred at the geographical site of injury before the arrival of any emergency medical services. Thus, prolonged time to discovery of trauma victims accounts for the most significant factor leading to trauma deaths in Union County. Education regarding injury prevention must continue to be emphasized to the public.