Two-thirds of road crash victims die on way to hospitals

Two-thirds of people injured in road accidents die on the way to hospitals mainly due to the lack of adequate emergency medical care in the country, said a study on Sunday.
The first hour is critical for the medical care providers of the accident victims.
At this time, if the injured can be given proper treatment, the mortality rate will decrease and the victims will recover quickly, added the study.
Prof Dr Md Atiqul Haque, dean of Preventive and Social Medicine Faculty of BSMMU, conducted the research and shared the findings at a workshop titled 'Formulating Protocol for Emergency Services for Road Crash Victims'.
Every year around the world 1.3 million people die and 20 to 50 million people are injured in road accidents.
Most of the victims are from low and middle-income countries, the research added.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) organised the workshop where BSMMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed spoke as the chief guest.
Road construction contractors should come forward to raise a fund to ensure emergency medical care for the injured, said the VC.
"To get emergency health care, health insurance, as in developed countries, is necessary. Patients can be treated free of charge in any emergency if they have health insurance," he added.
The Road Safety Act must be implemented effectively; due to legal complications common people are afraid to come forward for the rescue work of people suffering from heart attack, he observed.
He also said one of the causes of road accidents is the eye diseases of transport workers, especially cataracts and blurred vision, while their other physical illnesses and disability due to excessive and long-time work are also responsible.
In addition to proper training for the transport workers, they should undergo regular health check-ups and their eye condition should be checked at least twice a year, he suggested.
Speakers at the event also observed that as the numbers of roads and highways in the country increase, the risks of accidents also increase, with the overall expansion of the communication network.
Keeping these in mind, appropriate measures should be taken for accident prevention, mitigation and remediation, they viewed.
Md Akhtaruzzaman, additional secretary, public health division, spoke as the special guest while Chairman of Nirapad Sarak Chai (Road Safety Movement) and film actor Ilias Kanchan was also present.

[email protected]