Every year the 17th October is celebrated as World Trauma Day. This day highlights the rate of accidents and injuries which cause deaths and disability and the need to prevent them.
Trauma means any injury caused to the body. The injury may be caused by road accidents, fires, burns, falls or acts of violence.
Road accidents remain the greatest cause of trauma. Many road accidents lead to temporary or permanent disability while others lead to death. As we reflect on World Trauma Day we also observe Transport Month. This month is utilized to further advance road safety initiatives across the province to reduce the high rates of accidents and injuries. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is equipped with vehicles and response teams to attend to trauma incidents and offers trauma care in its facilities.
TIPS TO REMEMBER TO AVOID TRAUMA
- Follow road safety rules carefully
- Always wear protective gear(eg.helmet) when riding a bike
- Wear reflective garments when walking at night
- Keep children away from sharp objects, wires and electric switches
- Avoid distractions such as cellphones and loud music while on the road (walking or driving)
- Do not drive when you are tired or drunk
- Do not operate dangerous machinery
What to do in a case of emergency
Call an emergency helpline on Ambulance 10177 or Crime Stop 10111
In case of a head or spinal injury do not remove the person from the site of the accident without any professional help. Moving the person may cause serious back or neck injuries!
Trauma Counseling and Road Crashes https://t.co/digadF3K4G #ArriveAlive #TraumaCounselling pic.twitter.com/49pGmAsXQM
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 19, 2019