Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 17: On the occasion of World Trauma Day, medical experts have highlighted the life-saving potential of early intervention in trauma cases and called for urgent strengthening of trauma care facilities, particularly in peripheral hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir.
They said that the “golden hour” – the critical first hour after an accident – often determines whether a patient survives or succumbs to injuries.
Doctors said that trauma remains one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, and timely management can make all the difference. “The first hour after a major accident is crucial. If a patient receives proper medical attention during this period, the chances of survival rise dramatically,” said Dr Shabir, a senior surgeon posted in south Kashmir.
He said that most trauma victims in rural or remote areas lose precious time being transported to tertiary care hospitals like SKIMS or SMHS. “A well-equipped emergency unit at district or sub-district hospitals could handle primary stabilisation — airway management, bleeding control, and fracture immobilisation — before transferring the patient. This can save lives and prevent complications,” he said.
Another health expert, Dr Rouf Ahmad Wani Ahmad, said that improving infrastructure in peripheral hospitals would not only save time but also reduce the overwhelming rush at tertiary centres. “Many trauma cases could be managed locally if peripheral facilities had trained trauma teams, emergency operating rooms, and adequate equipment. This would help tertiary hospitals focus on highly complex cases,” he said.
Doctors stressed the need for capacity building and training of first responders and paramedical staff in basic trauma life support. “Even a small delay in handling airway obstruction or excessive bleeding can prove fatal. Proper training and timely response can transform outcomes,” they said.
They said the government’s focus should be on developing a hub-and-spoke model for trauma care, connecting peripheral hospitals with tertiary centres through a coordinated referral and transport system. “Ambulances must be well-equipped, and real-time communication between hospitals is vital,” they said.
They added that road traffic accidents, workplace injuries, and falls contribute significantly to trauma cases in Jammu and Kashmir, and the need for well-prepared local hospitals is urgent.
“Strengthening peripheral infrastructure is not just about convenience; it’s about saving lives,” said Dr Shabir. “If every district hospital can provide immediate life-saving care, countless families will be spared tragedy.”
World Trauma Day is observed every year on October 17 to raise awareness about trauma prevention and the importance of timely medical care in reducing deaths and disabilities resulting from injuries—(KNO)
