Road traffic crashes in Ramadan: an observational study

The aim of this study was to investigate trends in road traffic crashes [RTCs] managed by an emergency service, Rescue 1122, in 2011 in Punjab, Pakistan. RTC data were collected from 35 districts of Punjab and reviewed retrospectively. Data analysis revealed that the service responded to 12 969 RTC emergencies during August 2011 [Ramadan], compared with an average of 11 573 RTCs per month from January to August 2011. The younger age group [11-27 years] was victims in 29% of RTCs; 39% were due to speeding and 43% occurred in peak rush hours [14:00-18:00] before iftar [breakfast].Results of the study showed that Rescue 1122 faced more RTCs during Ramadan compared with the preceding months. Road safety is an important public health issue in Pakistan. Although there have been great improvements in roads in the past few years, much work needs to be done to deal with mounting trends in RTCs. Public awareness, political will and stringent law enforcement are key factors

Epidemiology of trauma victims

The data on relative incidence of trauma was collected and analysed into different groups, to plan out an effective control programme for the prevention and better management of this Epidemic [i.e. trauma]. Out of 1,83,091 [total] cases presenting in the year 1991, 40,280 [22%] were trauma victims. The very obvious picture of a trauma victim which emerged from this study is that of a male [79% chances], below 30 years of age [72% chances], is injured by R.T.A., fall or violence [77% chances] and will not get an ambulance service for transportation [95% chances]. From this study the lack of recognition of risk factors and poor management of trauma is very evident