Doha: Latest evidence-based methods in the care of severely injured patients, particularly those with spine injury, were highlighted during the second Trauma Multidisciplinary Critical Care Educational Day held by Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Trauma Centre.
More than 100 multidisciplinary professionals from the centre’s sections and HMC departments attended.
“We have established a Level 1 Trauma Centre to facilitate the best quality of care available to trauma patients,” said Dr Hassan Al Thani, Head of Trauma and Vascular Surgery, HMC.
“There are two key elements for our success: We work as a team and work towards a vision; and we would not be able to provide the best care possible without the dedication of each member of our team to providing excellent and outstanding care,” he said.
“What has made our centre so successful and recognised locally, regionally and internationally is that we place emphasis on working collaboratively as a team and have a goal-directed thinking; we have a vision and a framework for achieving that vision. We constantly audit our procedures to ensure that we continue to provide the best evidence-based care for severely injured patients, and we have an excellent leadership that allows us to effectively respond to challenges as a team,” said Dr Ahmad Zarour, Senior Consultant General/Trauma and Critical Care Surgeon and Director of Trauma Critical Care, HMC.
“The incidence of spinal cord injuries in Qatar is increasing, with the leading causes being motor vehicle crashes and falls from heights. Most victims of motor vehicle crashes are Qataris while expat construction workers are the most common victims of falls from heights. Young men are the main victims,” Dr Rafael Consunji, Director of Hamad Injury Prevention Programme, said, adding that diving accidents are also increasing.
He stressed the importance of safety measures in preventing or mitigating spinal cord injury. “Studies show that if you are properly restrained in the vehicle (with a seatbelt or child car seat) you reduce your chance of dying from a crash injury by 40-50 percent, and reduce your chance of sustaining spinal cord injuries by 60 percent.
“Airbags can reduce the chance of having spinal cord injuries by 80 percent,” he said, adding that implementing work safety standards and observing simple diving safety precautions can also help prevent accidents.
Spinal cord injury results in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. “Proper initial management within the first few hours after acute traumatic injury is crucial to the long-term survival and quality of life of the patient. It aims to preserve spinal cord functions and prevent avoidable complications that can lead to permanent disability or death,” said Dr Husham Abdelrahman, Consultant and Director of Trauma Resuscitation Unit.
The Peninsula
