title: Analysis of 303 road traffic accident victims seen dead on arrival at emergency room-assir central hospital.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although Rood Traffic Accident (RTA) is a noticeable common cause of death in Saudi Arabia, there is no published data showing the relative frequency of this disease as a cause of death.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study attempted to find out the relative frequency of RTA as a cause of death. Also, to identify age groups at risk as well as make some inferences from the different types of injuries seen.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a period of over a four and half years, 574 patients were seen dead on arrival at the Emergency Department of Assir Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Of these, 303 (52.8%) were victims of RTA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 303 victims revealed a male to female ratio of 14:1, Saudi nationals of 69% and age range of 3 months - 85 years (mean = 34.25 years). The peak age group was between 21 and 49 years and the peak period of presentation at the Emergency Department was between 12:00 noon and 18:00 hours. The month of ten in Hegira Calendar represented the peak period; a significant (P<0.05) seasonal variations was also seen, summer being the highest. Clinical assessment of the victims revealed that head and neck injuries were the commonest followed by chest injuries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RTA is the primary cause of death among dead on arrival cases affecting the most active and productive age group. The study recommended the implementation of pre -hospital emergency medical system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Abha Branch, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Batouk
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Abu-Eisheh
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abu-Eshy
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Shehri
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ai-Naami
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jastaniah