National Trauma Conference 2024: Pioneering Trauma Care in Sri Lanka

The National Trauma Conference 2024, held from November 28 to 30 at the heart of Sri Lanka, serves as a pivotal event for healthcare professionals, highlighting advances in trauma care across diverse specialties. Organized under the banner of innovation and global collaboration, the conference brings together eminent experts, fostering a platform for education, discussion, and practical insights.

Day 1: Evolution and Fundamentals
The conference kicks off on November 28 with a symposium focusing on the evolution of trauma resuscitation. From modern concepts like CABC (Circulation, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation) presented by Dr. Ranjith Ellawala to insights on ROTEM/TEG and massive transfusion protocols by Prof. Kim Namryol from South Korea, the morning sessions explore cutting-edge strategies in initial trauma care. Talks on groundbreaking tools like REBOA (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta) and hybrid emergency room systems reflect the paradigm shift in managing polytrauma patients.

The inauguration follows mid-morning, before discussions shift to practical challenges in primary trauma care. Experts like Dr. Kirthi Abayajeewa delve into Sri Lanka’s response, while neighboring countries highlight community-based models and post-crash care. Afternoon sessions tackle complex injuries, interventional radiology, and the psychological aftermath of trauma. Thoracic and cardiac trauma, including insights from UK-based Mr. Coonar Aman and local experts like Dr. Dhammika Rasnayake, wrap up the first day.

Day 2: Advancing Neuro and Orthopedic Trauma
November 29 opens with a focus on head injury challenges, emphasizing neurotrauma care in resource-limited settings led by Indian neurosurgeon Dr. Deepak Agrawal. A keynote address by Sri Lanka’s Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena, sets the tone for advancing trauma systems and collaboration.

Spinal and orthopedic trauma dominate the midday discussions. Presentations by Australian and Philippine experts explore managing complex injuries and improving trauma system performance, including the hub-and-spoke model adopted in Qatar. Afternoon sessions spotlight abdominal trauma, the integration of artificial intelligence in trauma care, and biomarker-based patient management, driving a shift towards personalized care. Discussions on burns trauma and customized orthopedic implants conclude the day.

Day 3: Damage Control and Future Directions
The final day focuses on damage control strategies and mass casualty response. Sessions like the ACT-TSSL symposium challenge traditional approaches to abdominal and thoracic trauma management. Experts from India, Singapore, and South Korea provide perspectives on optimizing damage control techniques, laparostomy, and limb viability.

Strategic leadership in trauma bays and resilience under pressure form the conference's emotional core, with insights shared by Sri Lankan trauma specialists. A unique session explores the surgeon-anaesthetist dynamic, fostering greater teamwork in high-stakes environments.

The closing ceremony celebrates three days of knowledge exchange, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. By addressing pressing issues like road traffic accidents and mass casualty preparedness, the National Trauma Conference 2024 sets a benchmark for trauma care excellence in Sri Lanka and beyond