17 October

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), trauma is a major cause of death and disability across the world.

WHO research has shown that at least 50 percent of road deaths occurring in developing countries could have been prevented with effective interference after trauma has occurred, that is:

• immediate pre-hospital care;
• adequate knowledge of handling emergency situations (involves training of personnel);
• adequate supply of pre-hospital care equipment and facilities (enough ambulances and other medical supplies).