“As the sixth leading cause of death and the third leading cause of Disability Adjusted Life Years, Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) have emerged as a major public health concern in India, claiming over 19 deaths every hour and 53 accidents per hour. Compared to last year, there is Around 9.4% increase in fatality due to road accidents. Rigorous enforcement of road safety laws, the establishment of a robust network of advanced ambulatory services, and the adoption of a multi-disciplinary approach in treating the victims are critical to reduce the burden of RTAs,” said trauma care experts of Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre (MMHRC).
Addressing the media on the advances in trauma care, Dr. Narendra Nath Jena, Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Accident and Emergency said that, “The number of trauma injury cases are steadily increasing over the past few years across the country. About 80% of accident victims do not have access to medical care within the Golden Hour, while 30% of emergency patients die before they reach the hospital. To ensure effective 'golden hour' care to road accident victims, the focus must be in strengthening the network of well-equipped and advanced life support ambulances, and the number of healthcare professionals exclusively trained in airway management, bleeding control, stabilizing fracture, and vital signs.”
In his comments, Dr. Selva Muthu Kumaran, Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Neurosurgery, said that neuro critical care ICUs are inevitable for managing traumatic brain injury patients and for providing proper post-operative care. These specialized ICUs will have facilities for monitoring pressure inside the brain. This gives precise information regarding what is happening inside the brain, and helps in providing anti-edema treatment - thus, saving hundreds of patients from undergoing a major decompressive surgery. He pointed out that MMHRC has a 11-bed neuro critical care ICU and a team of trained staff nurses.
Dr. Sathya Narayana, Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Orthopaedics, said that, “Orthopaedic trauma including fractures, ligament tears, tendon tears, and joint dislocations, are most common in RTAs. While these types of injuries are not always life-threatening, they can have an adverse impact on the quality of life. Hence, it is crucial to seek medical attention for any injury, immediately.
He added that at MMHRC orthopaedics prioritise assessing the musculoskeletal trauma, providing necessary splinting, and reducing dislocation. The hospital has a portable X-ray machine available at the bedside to detect fractures in hemodynamically unstable patients.
In his comments, Dr. Mohan, Senior Consultant, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, said, “Abdomen is the third most common injured body region in RTAs, and 25% of patients require immediate abdominal exploration. Abdominal injuries occur either due to blunt or penetrating injury. Around 7%-10% of trauma-related deaths are due to these injuries. The most frequently injured abdominal organ includes the liver, followed by the spleen, kidneys, and then hollow viscus injury to the small and large bowel. These patients require immediate laparotomy and thoracotomy.”
Dr. B. Kannan, Medical Administrator, said, “Treating trauma patients starts at ground zero and continues till the emergency room. It is important to evaluate the patients and carry out necessary investigations immediately. Necessary surgeries can be performed after stabilisation of the patients. When there is effective and efficient team work, it can save lives and minimise disabilities. At MMHRC, we ensure all our patients receive optimal care at all times.”
MMHRC receives nearly 200 trauma victims every month. Its Trauma Team comprises emergency physicians, neurosurgeons, surgeons, and orthopaedics who work as a team in treating critically injured patients. The treating doctors are trained in Advanced Trauma Life Support. The hospital’s emergency room is well-equipped with lifesaving medical drugs and equipment, sonography, and blood bank. Its rehabilitation team includes physiotherapists, occupational & speech therapists, and dieticians and nutritionists.
In this context, MMHRC is organizing an Advanced National Trauma Conference with renowned experts from international and national faculties in Trauma Care management on 12th December 2023 at the Conference hall, Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre Madurai which will be inaugurated by the District Collector of Madurai –Hon. M.S.Sangeetha I.A.S and Prof Dr.A.Rathinavel, Dean, Govt. Rajaji Hospital, Madurai along with other distinguished guests.