Project summary
A fall from standing height in older adults is the most common cause of major trauma in the UK. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for half of trauma admissions in older adults and is a leading cause of death and disability. Due to increased use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, older adults are more likely to suffer intracranial bleeding after mild TBI.
Intramuscular injections of Tranexamic acid (TXA) have been shown through earlier trials (CRASH3) to reduce bleeding, and early treatment with TXA reduces head injury deaths. However, the CRASH-3 trial included mild TBI patients only if they had intracranial bleeding on CT scan. The CRASH4 trial is exploring the earlier use by paramedics and for those who do not travel by ambulance, immediately on arrival at hospital before a CT scan is carried out.
How are patients selected for this project?
This is not a project that you can volunteer/sign up for. Our staff have been trained to identify appropriate patients with the conditions being studied in this project.
Closing date
xxxxxx
Patient Group
Patients aged 50 and over with head injuries occurring within the last 3 hours, with signs of traumatic brain injury.
Participating areas in SCAS
Current stations with staff trained in the CRASH4 trial are:
- Oxford City
- Milton Keynes
- Petersfield
- Lymington
- Nursling
- Hightown
- North Harbour
- Winchester & Eastleigh