PW 0413 Prevalence and nature of trauma and injuries in karachi. National trauma registry of pakistan ‘the need of the hour’

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence, nature of trauma, reason(s) behind these trauma and first-aid care provided during transportation to hospital in Karachi Pakistan. Study also presents the framework of a national trauma registry and comparatively analyzes data between other registries.MethodThis cross sectional observational/descriptive study was conducted from July 2015 to Dec 2015. An informed verbal consent was taken and preformed questionnaire was filled. Patient brought dead and who did not give consent were excluded.ResultsThe study conducted on 1500 patients includes 1030 males (68.7%) and 470 females (31.3%). Mean age was 45 SD 28.69 Maximum injuries occurred in age group of 11–20 year. By occupation most were found to be students and children 350 (23.3%). Most traumas occurred on road 919 (61.3%) and other occurred in home 349 (22.7%). Road traffic accidents are found to be major cause of injuries 730 (48.7%) and rest was due to other causes 630 (42.0%).The vehicle involved in majority of cases was motorcycle 340 (22.7%). In most of the cases emergency medical service 72148.0% was used for the transportation of the patients. During transportation (100%) of victims were not provided with first aid, breathing care/bleeding care/iv fluids and splints/slabs. Severity at emergency room of patients was mainly moderate (52.7%) while severe condition was suffered by (32.0%) of patients and mild (14.7%).ConclusionThis study concluded that the transport accidents are the major health problems especially in young population. For better transportation of patients it is needed to upgrade facilities of ambulances and other emergency medical services. Emergency medical care facilities establishment at district level, sub-divisional level are needed to provide good and quality care to trauma patients. Improvement in trauma care depends on the establishment of functioning trauma care systems, of which a trauma registry is a crucial component.

Primary trauma care course: Alternative basic trauma course in developing countries. “The Need Of The Hour”

“…11 A similar study conducted in Karachi Pakistan for the prevalence and nature of trauma revealed most common age group involved was 11-20 years, most of whom were student by occupation and motorcyclist followed by pedestrians 12 ; the present study also emphasises improvement in trauma care depends on the establishment of on functioning trauma care systems most importantly trauma training and establishment of trauma registry. 12 Global injury report statistics show that 85% of all RTA deaths in the world occur in countries of low and middle income and the rapidly increasing number of vehicles in these regions will contribute to a rise of 80% more mortality and fatality rates between 2000 and 2020. 13 A study by Reynolds et al, 14 elucidates that basic training of emergency healthcare provider is the cornerstone in trauma management in any setup and this factor is weak in these regions and therefore have a critical impact on trauma care systems in developing countries.…”

Use of social media while driving from an orthopedic resident's perspective

“…In our six-month data for a trauma registry, the highest number of injuries were attributed to motorcycle crashes (22%). 8 Given the smaller size of the motorcycle occupying a smaller area in the visual field, distracted drivers may have poorer reaction times as compared to motorcars.…”

“…When compared to our previous data recorded in the same hospital, the most common injury was femur fractures (10%). 8 This can be explained by the lower speed of vehicles involved in distracted driving. Data from the United States reports that drivers actively using a cell phone have a higher chance of driving slower, mimicking congested traffic.…”

“…The high rate of poor helmet compliance seen in our study is consistent with previous studies from the region. 8 , 9 …”

“…We have seen and reported an increase in the number and severity of trauma with a changing pattern of injury in Pakistan which requires further investigation. 8 This study will help us identify contributing factors.…”