The figure indicates a 10% rise in serious accidents compared to 2023

Palma, 2025 – The SAMU 061 emergency medical service activated the Polytrauma Code 462 times in 2024, reflecting a 10% increase in serious accidents compared to the previous year.

The Polytrauma Code is triggered when a person suffers life-threatening traumatic injuries, most commonly caused by traffic accidents or high falls. In such emergencies, response time is critical, and the 061 Coordination Centre uses a specific protocol to ensure a rapid, coordinated response — from the initial emergency call to patient stabilisation and transfer to the most appropriate hospital.

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SAMU 061 Activated Polytrauma Code 462 Times in 2024

Since 2019, activations of the Polytrauma Code have risen by 72%. In 2024, the code was primarily triggered by traffic accidents involving individuals aged 20 to 40, with the majority of patients being young men aged 20 to 30.

Polytrauma is one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability in this age group. Notably, one in three victims of polytrauma accidents suffers severe disability as a result.

Polytrauma-related mortality is categorised as avoidable, potentially avoidable, or unavoidable, depending on whether an undetected injury contributed to the patient’s death. Globally, avoidable mortality in polytrauma cases stands at 29%, mainly due to diagnostic errors in prehospital care and misjudgment in hospital selection.

SAMU 061 in the Balearic Islands is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to detect hidden injuries, including portable ultrasound devices, point-of-care blood testing, invasive monitoring, and neuromonitoring. Personnel also receive specialised training in managing severe trauma cases.

The Son Espases University Hospital is the regional reference centre for treating serious trauma and handled 54% of all severe polytrauma cases in the Balearic Islands in 2024.