Aboriginal Road Trauma: Key informant views of physical and psychological effects

Introduction: Aboriginal car occupants involved in a car crash are 2.9 times more likely to die than other Australians. Indigenous pedestrians are 5.5 more times at risk. The extended nature of Aboriginal families means that a large number of people are affected by the injury /fatal injury of an Aboriginal individual.
Methods: Five Aboriginal men were recruited using a snowballing technique and were interviewed to ascertain their views about an Aboriginal Road Trauma Service. All worked in health related positions in Perth, Western Australia. The interviewers employed a semi structured process that allowed respondents to provide their own views and experiences of road trauma.
Results: Respondents indicated that a culturally appropriate road trauma support service should be made available to assist Aboriginal people who had experienced road trauma, both as a primary or secondary victim. Vignettes were developed to present the issues that can affect Aboriginal people as a result of road trauma.
Conclusion: A range of culturally appropriate services dealing with both physical and emotional issues in relation to road trauma would be beneficial. All respondents indicated that consultation across the State with communities was essential to ensure that any proposed service would meet the local needs of each community.