The AAST is dedicated to discovery, dissemination, implementation, and evaluation of knowledge related to acute care surgery (trauma, surgical critical care, and emergency general surgery) by fostering research, education, and professional development in an environment of fellowship and collegiality.
Education
University Education
The Westmead Trauma Service is involved with the teaching of medical students from the University of Sydney. Student placements occur during their surgical terms as well as during Pre-Internship. Additional trauma education includes the Trauma SCORPIO and specific trauma tutorials during each block rotation.
Westmead Trauma Service provides nursing teaching expertise for nursing undergraduates from The University of Sydney. Post graduate trauma teaching, case presentation and exam marking is also provided for University of Technology Sydney, for Masters of Critical Care nursing students.
Trauma Links
The NSW Institute of Trauma and Injury Management (ITIM), an institute within the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI), is the body responsible for overseeing, coordinating and supporting the NSW trauma system. NSW ITIM improves health outcomes for people who sustain traumatic injury.
WE DO THIS BY:
- Providing leadership in the field of trauma
- Monitoring and coordinating the NSW trauma system
- Supporting clinicians working in the trauma system & others who contribute to injury prevention programs and trauma research
- Being a key facilitator of clinical care review and monitoring together with education and research
The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge to advance the care and rehabilitation of the injured patient. EAST places particular emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, scholarship, fellowship and developing leadership among young surgeons active in the care of the injured patient.
A 501(c)(3) organization, EAST has more than 2,600 members who meet yearly at a conference at which scientific papers are presented and advances in the field are discussed. EAST also has established lectureships, scholarships and a development fund to promote, reward, and recognize individuals working in the field of injury and injury control.
The ATS is the only multidisciplinary trauma society in Australasia. It brings together those who are treating, researching and teaching in trauma as well as those wanting to learn more with the aim to provide the highest standard of trauma care in Australasia. The diversity of members and their vast experience is a great forum for building improvements in injury management across Australia and New Zealand.
The society has an annual scientific meeting which rotates around Australasia. There are collaborative meetings with other organisations in order to foster the exchange of concepts in trauma management. At these meetings there is a combination of plenary sessions with invited speakers, free papers, research papers, skills workshops and interactive debates. The meetings are a chance for you to Ask the Specialists (ATS) and keep up with the latest in trauma advances, care and controversies.
ANZAST is the society for surgeons managing trauma in Australia and New Zealand. Its goal is to ensure seriously and critically injured New Zealand and Australian patients receive optimal and world-class surgical care.
This goal will be achieved by overseeing post fellowship surgical education and training, guiding the surgical trauma curriculum, supporting quality research, promoting effective systems of care and advocating on behalf of surgeons providing care to the seriously injured.
The premier scholarly organization for surgeons dedicated to the field of trauma and the care of critically ill surgical patients.
The Westmead Hospital Trauma Clinical Algorithms have been developed, utilising evidence-based information, to enhance patient and clinical decision-making, improve efficiency in delivery of safe, standardised health care.
The algorithms presented are intended primarily for health professionals and the following audiences, specifically at Westmead Hospital, Sydney NSW Australia:
Physicians, nurses and other health care professionals
Health care administrators
Researchers
bstreetsmart is Australia’s largest youth road safety education event, designed to inspire young drivers aged 16-25 to adopt safer driving habits and reduce road trauma. Held annually at the iconic Qudos Bank Arena, the event brings together thousands of students from across New South Wales for an immersive and impactful experience. Organised by the Westmead Hospital Trauma Department, bstreetsmart combines live demonstrations, real-life stories, and engaging activities to highlight the devastating consequences of risky driving behaviors.
A Powerful Learning Experience
At the heart of bstreetsmart is a live crash re-enactment, showcasing the critical moments after a road accident. Students witness how first responders, including paramedics, police, and fire crews, work together to save lives in real-time. This is complemented by personal accounts from survivors, emergency personnel, and families who have experienced road trauma firsthand. These powerful moments leave a lasting impression, challenging attendees to think critically about their decisions behind the wheel.
Driving Change for the Future
bstreetsmart goes beyond the event day, offering resources and activities that empower young drivers to make better choices on the road. From interactive educational exhibits to partnerships with schools, the program focuses on building a culture of road safety and responsibility. By addressing key risk factors such as speeding, drink and drug driving, and distraction, bstreetsmart plays a pivotal role in shaping safer roads and saving lives across New South Wales.
Young drivers aged 17 to 25 are significantly impacted by road fatalities. In the year ending June 2024, there were 74 fatalities in this age group, representing a 38% increase compared to the three-year average of 53.6 deaths.
Males accounted for 80% 285 male fatalities compared to 72 female fatalities. This trend is consistent with national data, where males comprise approximately 74% of all road deaths.
44% road deaths due to speeding with 17 to 25 year olds overrepresented in speed-related crashes, often due to inexperience and risk-taking behaviors.
Source: datahub.roadsafety.gov.au