Chandigarh: The team from Park Hospital, Mohali, including Director of Ortho and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery Dr. Bhanu Pratap Singh Saluja, CEO Dr. Rohit Jaswal, Consultant Neurosurgery Dr. Anil Softa, Consultant Plastic Surgery Dr. Ankur Sharma, Consultant Emergency Medicine Dr. Jaya Sharma, and Consultant GI Surgery Dr. Ashish Sharma, addressed a press conference here regarding the rising cases of road accidents and trauma in North India.
Dr. Bhanu Pratap Singh Saluja stated that it is extremely unfortunate that over the past 12 years, road accidents have decreased by 5 percent globally, while in India, they have increased by 15.3 percent. Road accidents contribute to 83% of traffic-related deaths in India. People should understand the importance of the 'Golden Hour' concept, which means that the first 60 minutes after any accident are the most critical. If the right patient reaches the right place at the right time, many lives can be saved.
Dr. Anil Softa said that 70 percent of people in road accidents die due to high speed. India accounts for only 1% of the global vehicle population but has the highest number of accident-related deaths worldwide. He also mentioned that, in addition to head injuries, drivers often sustain thoracic and gastrointestinal injuries in most accidents.
Dr. Ankur Sharma explained that high speed and not wearing seat belts are the primary causes of head injuries in trauma cases in India. Additionally, driving under the influence of alcohol, jumping red lights, distracted driving, not following driving lanes, and overtaking from the wrong side are other causes of road accidents in India.
Dr. Ashish Sharma stated that two-wheelers are among the most unsafe modes of transportation. According to a United Nations motorcycle helmet study, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a road accident than passenger car drivers. Dr. Ashish Sharma further noted that wearing a proper helmet increases the chances of survival by 42% and reduces the risk of brain injury by up to 74%.
Rohit Jaswal said, "Park Hospital, Mohali is now empanelled with ECHS, CGHS, ESI, Ayushman Haryana, and Himachal governments, as well as all major TPAs and corporates. Trauma surgeries and sports injury surgeries are being regularly performed at Park Hospital, Mohali."
Measures to Prevent Accidents:
1. Control your speed.
2. Follow traffic rules.
3. Wear a seat belt.
4. Give priority to pedestrians.
5. Read caution signs.
6. Adopt anti-skid brake systems in cars.
7. Airbags are essential.
8. Use reflectors on the rear side of the vehicle.
9. Keep the vehicle in good working condition.
10. Roads should be in good condition with proper signboards.
11. Avoid drugs and alcohol while driving.