Contrary to a global decrease of 5% in road accidents over the past 12 years, India has witnessed a significant surge of 15.3%. Road accidents in India contribute to 83% of all traffic-related deaths. Emphasizing the importance of the ‹Golden Hour› concept, where the initial 60 minutes after an accident are crucial, experts highlight that if the right patient reaches the right place in the right time, numerous lives can be saved.
During a press conference held on Thursday, Dr. Manuj Wadhwa, Chairman & Executive Director of Ivy Elite Institute of Orthopedics, expressed concern over the alarming road accident statistics in Punjab. In 2022 alone, Punjab witnessed 6,122 road accidents resulting in 4,688 deaths. Dr. Wadhwa also noted that 70% of lives lost in road accidents are due to over speeding.
Dr. Bhanupartap Saluja, Senior Orthopedic Surgeon at Ivy Hospital emphasized that India›s daily toll of more than 460 deaths underscores the urgent need to address trauma accidents seriously. Despite India representing only 1% of the global vehicular population, it has the highest number of accident-related deaths worldwide.Dr. Vineet Saggar, Senior Neurosurgeon, identified over speeding and lack of seat belt usage as major contributors to head injuries in trauma cases. Additionally, factors such as drunken driving, jumping red lights, and driver distraction contribute significantly to road accidents in India.
Dr. Chetan Goel, Head of Emergency, highlighted the vulnerability of two-wheelers, citing an UN Motorcycle Helmet Study that reveals motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a road crash than car drivers. Wearing an appropriate helmet can improve survival chances by 42% and reduce the risk of brain injury by 74%.Dr. Jaspreet Randhawa, Consultant Neurosurgery, emphasized India›s standing among world leaders in road traffic deaths. With over 78% of vehicles being two-wheelers, accounting for 29% of road accidents, proper helmet usage can prevent the loss of lives in 90% of cases.
The Ivy Group, with 5 hospitals, 750 beds, 280 ICU beds, and 20 OTs, is the largest trauma service provider in Punjab. Equipped with 6 ACLS Ambulances serving 16 districts in Punjab and 6 in Haryana, the group plays a crucial role in trauma services.