The Importance of Immediate Medical Care for Road Traffic Accident Victims

The Importance of Immediate Medical Care for Road Traffic Accident Victims

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.19 million people lose their lives to road traffic crashes. These victims majorly succumb to traffic injuries.  Moreover, 92% of the world’s fatalities on the roads occur in low- and middle-income countries, despite these countries having around 60% of the world’s vehicles. 

In the Indian context, road traffic accidents have significant human and economic costs. According to a government report, the number of road traffic victims in the year 2022 was 1,68,491, with  an average of 462 deaths and 1,264 accidents per day. 

The report also highlighted that over half of all road fatalities took place on national and state highways, despite their relatively low proportion of the total road network. Speeding was a major factor, contributing to 70% of road crash deaths. The southern state of Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of road accidents, followed by the central state of Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.

In case of emergency and traffic accidents contact  VSH Hospital for 24/7 trauma care and emergency. Toll-Free Number: 18003091001 Emergency Helpline: +91-80-22277979 Our Location#2, VSH Hospital Road, Ashok Nagar,Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001 We have a fleet of sophisticated ambulances and an expert team of doctors. We ensure the treatment starts even before the victims reach the hospital.

What is the Major Cause for Road Traffic Victims?

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2021 report, the most common causes of road accidents in India include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Not using helmets and seat belts
• Speeding
• Failure to maintain lane or yield to oncoming traffic when turning
• Distracted driving, such as using mobile phones while driving
• Reckless passing
• Drowsy driving
• Eating and drinking in the car
• Inattention

What are the Steps to Take if You Witness a Road Traffic Accident?

• Ensure your own safety and that of others around you.
• If possible, move the victim to a safe location away from traffic.
• Call the nearest emergency and trauma care services immediately and provide them with the victim’s location and any other relevant information.
• If the victim is conscious, try to keep them calm and reassure them that help is on the way.
• Do not move the victim unless it is absolutely necessary, as this could cause further injury.
• If the victim is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.
• If the victim is not breathing, begin CPR if you are trained to do so.

Why Should You Contact Emergency Hospitals Near Me?

Contacting emergency hospitals near the accident site can help ensure that the victims receive timely medical care, which is crucial for improving their chances of recovery. Immediate medical attention can significantly impact the outcomes for the victims, especially in cases of serious injuries. 

In the event of an accident, the Golden Hour is the most crucial time- acting fast can save lives.

Good Samaritan Law

What are the legal consequences of helping a Road Traffic Victim in India?  The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued guidelines to protect “Good Samaritans” who come to the aid of accident victims. According to these guidelines:

• A Good Samaritan who takes an accident victim to a hospital will not be asked any questions and cannot be forced to stay unless they are an eyewitness, in which case only their address can be recorded.

• It is optional for Good Samaritans to submit their personal information in Medico Legal Forms provided by hospitals.

• Disciplinary or departmental action shall be taken against officials who coerce a bystander who has helped an accident victim.
• A bystander who calls the police or emergency services to the site of a road accident does not face any legal consequences.

These guidelines are aimed at encouraging people to come to the rescue of accident victims without fear of legal repercussions. Therefore, in India, there are no legal consequences for helping a road traffic victim, and bystanders who provide assistance are protected by law.

Treating Road Traffic Accident Victims

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from physical to psychological. These injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Damage to the brain due to a blow or piercing injury to the head, which can lead to long-term disability or death.

• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord resulting in partial or total paralysis below the level of the injury.

• Fractures and Broken Bones: Road traffic accidents can cause fractures in various parts of the body, such as legs, ribs, arms, ankles, wrists, and pelvis, often leading to long-term disability.

• Internal Injuries: Impact from a road traffic accident can cause damage to internal organs, resulting in bleeding and requiring emergency medical treatment.

• Burns: Victims of road traffic accidents may suffer from burns, with severe cases necessitating surgery and skin grafting.

• Psychological Injuries: Road traffic accidents can also lead to psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which may require psychological assessment and treatment.

At VSH Hospital, we specialize in comprehensive trauma care with expert teams in all specialties to help road traffic accident victims recover and reclaim their lives. Whether you’re dealing with physical injuries or struggling with the psychological aftermath, our dedicated team is here to provide compassionate care and support every step of the way. 

Reach out to VSH Hospital for expert assistance.

Read More: The Best Hernia Surgery Hospital in Bangalore with Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery