The International Road Federation along with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and World Health Organisation, on Friday conducted a day-long seminar on Trauma Centre – a National Mission. The seminar was organised as part of the ongoing Road Safety Week
Stating that road accident deaths account for 10% of the mortality in the country, experts at the seminar called for better coordination among various agencies working on road safety.
Additional Secretary (MoRTH) Leela Nandan said, “Absence of a coordinated trauma service means that two avoidable deaths take place every month while four persons face avoidable, long-term disability. There is a strong need for strengthening trauma care system in the country to ensure early rehabilitation.”
Training on first aid
Experts on the panel also highlighted the importance of training bystanders in providing first aid for victims of road safety. “It is important to infuse knowledge of road safety and first aid among public and also in road side facilities such as dhabas and among truck drivers, who are most often the first to reach accident sites,” said Ms. Nandan.
Deputy Head of WHO country office Payden said “It is seen that road accidents is the number one cause of death among children and youngsters in the age group of 5 to 29. Due to increased death of children in road accidents, there needs to be change in shift of child agenda and the school curriculum should include road safety.”
Stating that 1.47 lakh lives are lost due to road accidents in India, experts further called for filling the gap in deficiencies in trauma services. “Pre-hospital care is absent in many States . Fatalities can be reduced if first aid and trauma care is provided at accident site itself,” said K.K. Kapila, Chairman (IRF).