The preventability of trauma-related death: A two-year cohort study in a trauma center in middle Taiwan

•In this 2-year cohort that included cases of 127 trauma-related deaths in a trauma center in central Taiwan, 8 (6.3%), 8 (6.3%), and 111 (87.4%) deaths were categorized as definite preventable, potentially preventable, and non-preventable, respectively, based on trauma and injury severity score (TRISS) and the opinion of a panel.•Among the definite preventable and potentially preventable deaths, pre-defined categories of inadequate infection prevention/control, delayed treatment, delayed diagnosis, and technical error were identified in six (37.5%), five (31.2%), three (18.8%), and two (12.5%) cases, respectively.•The quality of postoperative care is as important as timely diagnosis and treatment for the prevention of trauma-related deaths.