Oxford dictionary defines accident as an unpleasant event, especially to a vehicle, that happens unexpectedly and causes injury or damage ranging from minor cuts and bruises to life threatening, grievous injuries. Victims include all ages, from little children to elderly people. Accidents are caused due to a variety of reasons, namely falls, road traffic accidents, air crash, sinking of boats and ships, building collapse, falling of trees, lightening and blasts, fire, electrical accidents, drowning, suffocation etc.As accidents causing various injuries may occur anytime, and one of our near and dear ones may be involved, what we do at once, or fail to do, may make a great deal of difference. Such injuries taken care of immediately may progress to a quick recovery. Failing to provide appropriate and timely care may lead to prolonged illness and, perhaps, even death. Injuries from blow, pressure, burn, animal bites, toxemia, extreme heat or cold result in trauma. Our society is frequently affected by trauma. Unfortunately no substantial measures have been undertaken till now to prevent trauma conditions and effectively manage injuries. Except for the environmental conditions beyond human control such as heat and cold, cyclones and earthquakes, other disturbing causes of trauma are largely preventable.
Our cover story this week is on 'Accidents', which cause trauma. Unfortunately trauma or injury management, the post trauma care of the affected is in a shambles. The so called 'emergency' units of public as well as private hospitals are poorly manned and equipped, and the poorer people often die in these very units.