Head and brain injuries constitute almost 70 per cent of the injuries and the average time taken from the time of an accident to the initiation of treatment in cities like Bangalore is more than three hours. In response to this alarming situation, private hospitals, especially those close to State Highways should form a voluntary organisation.

A Comprehensive Trauma Consortium (CTC) in Bangalore is already providing organised trauma care. Private hospitals in Mysore should take a lead by forming a non-profit organisation on the lines of CTC, which works under the aegis of the Bangalore Neurological society.

The main objective of the CTC is to reach the accident victim at the right time, at the right place. The need for pre-hospital care by three principles — decentralisation of trauma care, participation of individuals and reorganising the existing system — for treatment should not be ignored. Initially, hospitals close to State Highways should be networked through a wireless communication system.

By dialing a toll-free helpline or sending an SMS, anybody, who sees an accident can alert the police control room at the police commissioner’s office. The city can be divided into three or four zones. Each zone should have a representative hospital, which should handle all types of injuries.

All zonal hospitals can be connected through wireless. Ambulances can be made available at these hospitals and strategic locations in the city. Global Positioning System (GPS) can be adopted for effective and faster deployment of ambulances when accidents are reported. A spinal board and other life-saving equipment should be installed in the ambulance. The ambulance personnel should be trained to deal with on-the-spot care and safe transportation. To hasten the process of pre-hospital treatment in case of traffic jams, there should be a tie-up with private aviation organisations for air ambulance facility. A temporary helipad can be made available close to the Mysore-Bangalore Highway. Negotiations can be held with the HAL for air ambulance services.

Trauma expenses can be reduced by educating motorists to avail health insurance schemes. The premium of such policies have been kept nominal at around Rs 300 per annum. Those enrolled should get a benefit of Rs one lakh towards medical expenses incurred due to injury. In addition, they should also be entitled to get Rs one lakh in case of death or disability, irrespective of age and injury. Those covered under the policy should also be given a photo identity card and a sticker for the vehicle. The same scheme should be extended to children below 15 years with a premium of Rs 150 per annum. They should get a benefit of Rs 50,000 towards medical expenses and additional Rs 50,000 for death and disability.

First aid centres can be introduced on highways and retail outlets of oil companies like the Indian Oil Corporation.
There should be a first aid centre, at least, at every 15-20 kms on highways. These centres should have a strategic location and have trauma registry to evaluate trauma care. These centres should come under the aegis of satellite hospitals that should be well-equipped to handle trauma care and should be at close proximity to State and National Highways.