An estimated 20 people per million in India suffer from spinal cord injuries (SCI), with approximately 20,000 new cases reported annually. Most of these injuries result from improper handling and transfer of accident victims from the scene to ambulances or hospitals, leading to severe complications and long-term disabilities.
Importance of Proper Handling in Emergency Situations
As reported by TOI, during the inauguration of a five-day training program at the NELS Skill Centre on the IGIMS premises, Dr. V. M. Dayal, the director in charge, emphasized the need for emergency care training. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, head of critical care medicine and nodal officer of the NELS (National Emergency Life Support) centre at IGIMS, stressed that knowledge of manual inline stabilization (MILS) is crucial for handling accident victims safely.
Preventing Paralysis Through Correct Transfer Techniques
Dr. Sanjeev highlighted that thousands of accident victims suffer paralysis due to improper handling during transport to hospitals. He explained, “If an injured person is not lifted and transferred correctly, they risk lifelong disability due to spinal injury.” Ensuring proper transport techniques can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term suffering.
Major Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Road traffic accidents remain the leading cause of SCI, followed by falls from heights, falling objects, and sports-related injuries. Dr. Sanjeev noted that a large proportion of SCI cases occur in young, active individuals, particularly men in their 30s. These injuries can disrupt lives and livelihoods, making preventive measures and correct emergency response essential.
Role of NELS in Training and Awareness
Dr. Manish Mandal, superintendent of IGIMS, explained that NELS organizes these training programs under the guidance of the Government of India. These initiatives aim to educate first responders and medical professionals. They also raise awareness among the public on handling spinal injury cases.
Dr. Om Kumar, dean (academic), added that NELS has been conducting awareness programs for several years. These programs reinforce the importance of early intervention and proper emergency response. These efforts help reduce the risk of permanent disability and improve recovery chances for spinal injury patients.
Moving Forward: Strengthening Emergency Response Training
With SCI cases rising, increasing awareness and training in proper handling techniques are essential. The collaboration between NELS and IGIMS is a significant step toward reducing preventable disabilities caused by mishandling accident victims. By equipping healthcare professionals and first responders with the necessary skills, India can improve emergency care and enhance patient outcomes.