the management of trauma patients in abuja is appalling. there is a complete lack of understanding of the concepts of advanced trauma life support. even the tenets of basic life support are not applied in patient management. many trauma patients are simply not reviewed not treated and turned away, sent to the nearest big general hospital without proper management. and many die on the way in hearses otherwise called ambulances. they are really better called 'taxis'. some hospitals actually use taxis or even relatives cars to send patients between facilities. this is wholly not acceptable. we must work together to preserve life at every step.
what we need to do? we need to work together. its really simple. resuscitate the patient. sort out any problems with airway, breathing and blood pressure. put in an intravenous line or two and put up fluids. if hypotensive give a plasma expander. stop any immediate accessible bleeding. investigate in trauma as much as you can safely. get a skull x-ray, cervical x-ray and chest or long bone x-rays as necessary. get as much information as you can and then transfer. let the other hospital have as much information as possible so they know where to start from in continuing the care of the patient.
resuscitate: investigate: transfer. Simple
The state of trauma care in Abuja is a reflection of what obtains generally in Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteThere is a disturbingly suboptimal level of knowlege needed for best trauma care coupled with near-lack of dedication and motivation of the healthcare workforce.
We need leaders, I mean real leaders (NOT PERSONS OCCUPYING POSITIONS) who are visioneers and have what it takes to pioneer positive change.
we need leaders who have "A high value on human life with the improvement of peoples lifes" as the central theme of their vision.
This kind of leaders will inspire revolutionary change in the orientation of the people and individuals in positions/political offices.
In Abuja/Nigeria this kind of leader will inspire the re-ordering of our priorities - ABUJA CAN BOAST OF THE BEST AUTOMOBILES ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD BUT FULLY EQUIPED AMBULANCES IN ADEQUATE NUMBERS SEEM LESS IMPORTANT.
In practice, leaders like this will influence: developement of centres of trauma care education etc.; infrastructure & technological developement in the health industry and organisation of Health service provision (to make it efficient & effective)
The kingdom of GOD is now, because we have such leaders and their efforts will be made manifest in no time - I PROMISE YOU!