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Indian healthcare providers see training in First Aid to prevent fatality resulting from uncontrolled bleeding. Hospitals like Aster CMI among others view that it is only first aid which is a critical component that helps to handle the crucial minutes.
According to reports, only less than about 10 per cent people around the world are certified professionals who know how to use a first aid kit. On the occasion of the World First Aid Day, observed second Saturday in September every year, the theme this year was ‘First response to road crashes’.
According to Leo Mavely, founder and CEO, Axio Biosolutions, in an emergency the first hour is considered the “golden hour”, within which it is critical that the victim has access to basic medical care. However, in most cases, victims do not have access to such care, and by the time they reach the hospital, it is too late.
It’s alarming that 20 per cent of global fatalities due to road accidents occur in India. All this could be prevented. But there is a general lack of awareness in India about controlling life-threatening bleeding which could save millions of lives every year. This is where our product Axiostat proves most effective- it’s a first aid dressing that stops profuse bleeding within just 2-3 minutes, right at the interventional stage. In the event of an accident, it can be applied to the wound to stop profuse bleeding; thereby giving the victim ample time to reach the hospital for further medical attention/treatment, he added.
According to Dr. Shailesh Shetty S, senior specialist, emergency medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, being in the emergency department we get to see many cases. If people were trained in first aid, we could have easily avoided serious damages or even saved precious lives. In all kinds of trauma like falling from a height or a road traffic accident, one of the risks that comes along with, is that of a cervical spine injury where, the way a victim is handled post the mishap, is very important. If the victim is moved without immobilizing the spine, it can lead to lifetime paralysis or even be fatal thus playing a significant role in the quality of rest of his life.
An ambulance takes 10 minutes on an average to reach an accident victim and being trained in First aid will give you the power to handle those initial crucial minutes. This should be made accessible to all, said Dr. Shetty.
Currently, ambulances in India lack the basic first aid equipment and skill-sets required to start treatment before a patient reaches a hospital. With awareness and access to haemostats such as Axiostat, even a layman can help a victim in need while help arrives, noted the Axio Biosolutions chief.
Dr Mohan, consultant HOD - department of emergency, Sagar Hospitals said, "India has recorded one of the highest rates of road accidents in the world, making road safety a major cause of concern. These alarming statistics underline the importance of basic road safety awareness and also of life saving techniques. The victim needs to be stabilized before the arrival of emergency medical help.
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