Every year October 17 is observed as World Trauma Day. The day is observed with the aim of halting the increasing rate of accidents and injuries that cause death and disability worldwide.
This day was established in 2013 in New Delhi, India. This is a result of the high number of deaths due to road accidents in the country. More than 400 people lose their lives every day. Road traffic accidents are a major cause of trauma worldwide. People around the world remember those who ‘died or were injured’ due to violence, trauma or accidents. The day also emphasizes the importance of prevention and how everyone can contribute to making the world a safer place. The day reminds every one of the increasing rate of accidents and the resulting deaths, injuries and disabilities and the need to prevent them.
This day was celebrated in India, but later all countries started celebrating it as World Trauma Day. Estimates say that every year in India, 20 to 30 million people come to the emergency room due to trauma that is vehicle accidents. Of this, 3 to 5 million people succumbed to death. The importance of Trauma Day can be understood from the figures that so many people arrive at the emergency department. The World Health Organization says that by 230, road accidents will become the fifth leading cause of death in the world.
There is a misconception among people that only car accidents are called trauma. The causes of trauma vary from accidents, falls, burns, industrial accidents, and assault. Car accidents are the number one cause of trauma. Most of these accidents are caused by two-wheelers. The second reason is our cherry mistakes. Falls from heights, slips at home or in the bathroom all fall under the category of trauma. A third reason is sports injuries. Trauma will always happen. Each of us should think how to prevent it before it happens. For that many awareness programs are planned. Road Safety Weekly is creating awareness about this. Road Safety Week is observed on the second week of January. Most car accidents are caused by negligence. If we take ten cases, eight cases are due to negligence. It is preventable.
Avoid reckless driving, wear a helmet while riding a two-wheeler, these can help prevent deaths due to trauma. Not only those in front, but those behind should also wear helmets. The theme of World Trauma Day 2021 was “The sooner treatment can be given; the sooner the patient’s life can be saved”. The World Health Organization says that fifty percent of the deaths following road accidents are due to lack of timely treatment. First aid is the most important. The golden hour is the time it takes for a patient to receive specialist treatment after an accident. Specialist treatment should be available within one hour. Providing proper care to the patient in the first hour will increase their chances of survival.
Trauma Day is very important in today’s times. Deaths due to trauma can be prevented to some extent by making people aware. Our small action can sometimes save a life. So never neglect the victims and get them timely treatment. Every life lost may be saved by our ability. Let’s take a pledge. Every life is precious.
