Reassessment of the tri-modal mortality distribution in the presence of a regional trauma system.

Background: The temporal distribution of trauma-related deaths has been described as tri-modal with immediate, early, and late peaks. With the development of trauma centers and systems, it has been suggested that this distribution might be altered.

Methods: Information regarding all trauma-related deaths occurring from 1990 through 2003 in Jefferson County, AL, was obtained and the elapsed time from injury to death was calculated and categorized as <1 hour, 1 to 6 hours, 7 to 24 hours, 1 to 3 days, 4 to 7 days, and >1 week.