Physical injury or damage to the body caused by an external force, or, in another medical context, a deeply distressing psychological experience.
Physical trauma can result from events such as falls, crashes, burns, penetrating injuries, or blunt force. It can range from minor injuries to life-threatening damage involving multiple organs.
The term psychological trauma refers to the emotional or psychological effects of extremely distressing or threatening experiences. The appropriate meaning depends on context.
QUICK FACT
In emergency medicine, “trauma” generally refers to physical injury caused by an external force.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Injury: any damage to body tissues; trauma describes injury specifically in relation to an external force.
SEE ALSO