Trauma no idoso: perfil epidemiológico de vítimas socorridas pelo serviço de atendimento móvel de urgência (SAMU) no município de Sousa- PB.

Abstract

The sharp growth of the elderly population, associated with technological advancement has provided a more active and independent life for these people and, at the same time, leading them to a greater vulnerability to accidents. The physiological characteristics of the elderly, associated with pre-existing diseases can cause serious dependencies after suffering some type of trauma. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological profile of elderly victims of trauma assisted by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) in the city of Sousa-PB, as well as to characterize the main types of trauma and the associated factors and ascertain the trauma-related morbidity and mortality in the elderly at the study site. The research was an exploratory, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, and the cross-sectional and documentary study, developed at SAMU in the city of Sousa-PB. In order to carry out this study, the event registration forms in 2009 were used, duly completed and signed by the team that performs the service and by the medical regulation technicians (TARM). The data were collected using the indirect documentary research technique, in a specific form, by a single researcher. The results revealed that the age group most affected was between 60-65 years old, being 52% male. As for the location, 71.7% of accidents occurred in the urban area, 43.4% occurred in the morning and 97.5% had no support at the location. Falls were the most frequent types of trauma, with 68.3% and 13.4% of the elderly having a history of Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH). According to the injuries, 21.3% had several yeasts, with pain as the main symptom, with 33.5% and 6.8% showing use of ethyl alcohol during care. 79% of the elderly were referred to the hospital. Basic Life Support (BLS) was the vehicle most sent to the accident site, in 94.1% of the occurrences and the most performed procedures were medication. Finally, through this study, it was realized that elderly people are increasingly susceptible to trauma and the SAMU's performance provides greater chances of survival for these patients.