TRAUMA IS A NEGLECTED EPIDEMIC. THE GOLDEN HOUR CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH, says DR HARSHIT AGARWAL, SRMS INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Trauma can occur in seconds, but its impact may last a lifetime. Awareness, preparedness and timely care can save lives…

A road accident, a serious fall or a life-changing injury can affect anyone, anytime. Yet trauma, despite its devastating impact, often receives far less public attention than it deserves.

During World Trauma Week (12–17 October), leading up to World Trauma Day on 17 October, Dr Harshit Agarwal, Emergency and Trauma Surgeon at SRMS IMS, Bareilly, highlights that trauma is not only a medical emergency but also a major public-health concern requiring awareness, preparedness and prompt intervention. “At the heart of trauma care is the Golden Hour, the critical early period after a serious injury when rapid assessment, appropriate treatment and timely access to emergency care can significantly improve outcomes. Every minute matters; treatment should never be delayed while waiting for an arbitrary time window,” says Dr Harshit.

Prof. (Dr) Col SK Rai, HOD, Department of Emergency Medicine, SRMS IMS, adds, “Recognize the emergency, alert emergency services promptly, ensure a safe first response and reach an equipped trauma-care facility without unnecessary delay.”

Dr Amit Priyadarshi, Trauma Surgeon at SRMS IMS, advises, “Avoid moving a seriously injured person unless there is immediate danger, and follow professional emergency guidance.”

However, saving lives begins not only in the emergency room, but also with informed people, trained first responders and a community that knows how to act when every second counts.