Press Coverage

Trauma related deaths high in India due to inadequate emergency response: Doctors at Paras Global Hospital, Darbhanga advocate the need for prevention and right response

Right action can prevent trauma related deaths and disability in many accident and injury victims

Over 1 lakh people die in India every year in road accidents; most of them due to excessive bleeding and absence of immediate emergency and trauma care. Better awareness among people about trauma care and improved institutionalized emergency response can go a long way in saving many lives.

 On World Trauma Day, Paras Global Hospital, Darbhanga held a press conference to educate the people about the need for prevention, the importance of the ‘Golden Hour’ and right first response to save trauma victims.

World Trauma Day highlights the increasing rate of accidents and injuries causing death and disability across the world and the need to prevent them.
Trauma injuries may be caused due to many reasons like road accidents, fires, burns, falls , acts of violence and crimes against the vulnerable population including women, children and elderly. Amongst all the causes, Road Traffic Accident (RTA) is the leading cause of trauma across the world. Many injuries may lead to temporary or permanent disability while others may even cause death.

“Every year, about 5 million people die from injuries across the world. In India alone, it is estimated that one million people die and 20 million are hospitalized every year due to injuries. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), about 1,37,000 people died in road accidents in India in 2013.  The burden of disease due to trauma is increasing at an alarming rate. This not only increases the morbidity and mortality rate, but also affects the national productivity on account of younger population being mainly involved in road accidents. Therefore, we should all take the required precautions in order to prevent any injuries,” said Paras Global Hospital Trauma Team.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected that by 2020 road accidents may account for as many as 546,000 deaths in India. With nearly 400000 road accidents, India suffers a loss of up to 1.42 lakh lives every year, while hundreds of victims are left with permanent disability making the country’s roads the most dangerous roads in the world.

Road designing also plays an important role in preventing trauma cases. But the rate of injuries due to trauma cannot only be reduced by adequate road designing. It is the duty of every citizen of every country to act responsibly.

“Trauma management is a medical specialty in itself and needs highly trained emergency staff. Many lives are lost due to inadequate emergency care provided to the victims of road accidents every year in India. In many cases, an equipped Trauma Centre is not near the accident site, and the hospital the victim is rushed to is incapable of responding appropriately. At the same time, most first responders are not educated about interventions needed to stop bleeding which can save many lives. Strict adherence to emergency and life saving protocol and absence of any delay in managing the patients,” added Paras Global Hospital Trauma Team.

In case of an accident victim, every second is crucial. It is important that the injured receives medical care within the golden hour.

“In emergency medicine, the golden hour also known as golden time, refers to a time period lasting for one hour, or less, following traumatic injury being sustained by a casualty or medical emergency, during which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical treatment will prevent death,” explains Paras Global Hospital Trauma Team.

With individual alertness, adoption of better safety protocols and right hospital response a large number of lives can be saved in India.

Here are some Dos & Don’ts for every citizen:

Do’s

• Follow  the road safety rules carefully.
• Pay close attention to the warning signs and traffic signals while driving.
• Always wear a helmet while riding a two-wheeler.
• Avoid distractions like mobile phones and loud music while on road.
• Take short breaks in case of long, continuous driving.
• Keep your children away from electric switches and wires, sharp objects and medications.
• Always keep a first aid safety kit at your home and in your vehicle.
• Ensure your stairs, windows, balconies and roofs are secure in order to prevent falls.
• Learn basic life support techniques and help the injured.

Don’ts

• Do not drive when you are tired, sleepy or drunk.
• Do not take any risks while driving, in case you are in a hurry.
• Do not operate hazardous machinery.
• In case of a head or spinal injury, do not move the person from the site of accident without any professional’s help. Moving the injured person may cause serious back or neck injuries.
• Do not give fluids to any unconscious or semi-conscious traumatized person.

Paras Global Hospital, Emergency Helpline Number: 06272-667788