Trauma injuries can occur in an instant, leaving individuals fighting for their lives as emergency responders race against time to save them. Due to the frequency and severity of these injuries, World Trauma Day was created to raise awareness of this critical issue.
Taking place on 17 October, Mediclinic Newcastle’s Unit Manager for the Emergency Centre, Michelle Naicker, highlighted the importance of this day—a day that many may not even be aware of. “World Trauma Day is celebrated globally and aims to raise awareness about trauma, in order to reduce trauma incidences in the community,” highlighted Naicker, who further stated that trauma injuries include both minor and major incidents, such as sports and workplace injuries.
On Thursday, 17 October 2024, the Mediclinic Newcastle team took the lead in supporting World Trauma Day, aiming to raise awareness and educate Newcastillians about the importance of understanding trauma injuries.
This year’s theme, “Workplace Injuries: Prevention and Management,” focused on saving lives and increasing knowledge within the community.
As explained by Naicker, over 9% of deaths around the world are caused by trauma injuries. It is due to this concerning figure and the intent to save lives that World Trauma Day emphasises the importance of workplace safety and raising awareness about injuries that occur in the workplace.
According to Naicker, this year’s theme saw World Trauma Day aimed at raising awareness about safety measures, employee education and training, as well as prevention and management of workplace related trauma injuries. “When people know about injury prevention and their role in it, they will help to reduce the occurrence of trauma injuries,” Naicker pointed out.
Dr Bianca Cooper of ER Consulting Inc., and Principal Clinical Manager at Mediclinic Newcastle Emergency Centre, emphasised that trauma has many causes and contributing factors, particularly in a diverse area like Newcastle, which is home to several large industries and serves as a key transport hub.
“Every day, we read in the Newcastillian News about severe motor vehicle accidents happening in the region. It seems there is a general sense of impatience and lawlessness on the roads, with vehicles failing to stop at intersections, and overtaking unsafely on the roads. It is essential that all road users, from the drivers of the vehicles to pedestrians, adhere to the rules of the road and also keep their wits about them (you have to think not only for yourself but also for everyone else),” said Dr Cooper.
She further added that distracted driving is on the increase, with drivers using their smartphones while on the move – this is not limited to phone calls but also to replying to text messages, leading to drivers looking at their phones and not paying attention to road markings, stop signs and robots and not seeing other hazards until it is too late.
“Your short, “On my way!” WhatsApp reply might result in serious injury or even death, to yourself or other road users. Always wear your seatbelt and make sure your vehicle is roadworthy,” noted Dr Cooper, who added that alcohol remains a major contributing factor in all types of trauma – seeing her urging community members to indulge responsibly, don’t drink and drive and avoid high-risk activities if you have been drinking.
As explained by Dr Cooper, there are numerous alcohol-free beverages for communities to enjoy on a hot day to get the taste, without the resulting impaired judgement and functioning.
Delving into this year’s theme, Dr Cooper pointed out that workplace safety incidents are also a concern, and while large companies and farms do have strict safety policies in place, hospitals still see several injuries on duty patients. “Always adhere to your company’s safety protocols and always wear your protective gear. I have seen a number of employees in the late afternoon who just wanted to “finish this job quickly” and ended up in the emergency centre – take your time, concentrate and liaise with your manager if you feel you cannot complete the task safely,” she said.
While this year’s theme was focused on workplace injuries, Dr Cooper said that when community members embarked on a DIY project at home, it was essential to follow the same precautions as one would at a workplace. “Use gloves, safety glasses and ear protection when working with power tools. Never climb up a ladder on your own (and always use a sturdy ladder if you need to reach something or hang curtains – a chair was not designed for this purpose),” she said.
Dr Cooper elaborated further noting there is also a significant burden of injury in the elderly populations from falls. “Fall prevention should be more of a focus in our ageing population and needs a multidisciplinary approach – physios, occupational therapists and orthotics may all be required. Try to stay active as you age, as this is the biggest preventative factor in preventing falls – this doesn’t mean you have to go rock climbing, but joining an age-appropriate exercise class, for example,” explained the doctor.
If your parent or grandparent is struggling with dizziness, impaired vision or hearing, Dr Cooper said it was important to assist them in getting to the appropriate specialist or allied healthcare practitioner by getting a referral from your GP – all these things are risk factors for falling and might be cured by something as straightforward as cataract surgery or a hearing aid.
Moreover, she highlighted that South Africa, unfortunately, has a high rate of crime, so it is always important to be aware of your surroundings, avoid risky areas, and stay alert when travelling on foot or by vehicle. It is safer to stay sober if you are in unfamiliar areas or in large crowds.
Furthermore, Naicker explained that the most common injuries attended by Mediclinic Newcastle’s Emergency Centre included motor vehicle accidents, assaults., workplace injuries, sports injuries and elderly people either slipping, tripping or falling.
Given the serious risks associated with trauma injuries, Naicker emphasised that the Mediclinic Emergency Department urged the public to take essential safety precautions during sporting events, use proper personal protective equipment at work, and follow road safety rules. She also highlighted the importance of reporting all injuries, whether minor or severe and ensuring that injured individuals receive a medical assessment when necessary.
“I think the important thing to remember is that we have a responsibility to not only pay attention to our own safety, but also that of the community. If I am in a rush and skip a stop sign, I could cause a child to lose their parent in the ensuing accident, for example. Stop and think for a moment about how your actions can affect others. That brief pause can save a life,” concluded Naicker.
In honour of World Trauma Day, Mediclinic Newcastle placed significant emphasis on the global awareness event by having its medical staff and ER24 paramedics conduct a simulation of a work-related injury, involving a fall from height. Ziyaad Warasally from ER24 explained that paramedics stabilised the “patient,” and transported them to Casualty, where the Mediclinic Newcastle team quickly sprang into action to provide further care.
As Mediclinic Newcastle aims to promote a safer environment for all, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
