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LETTERS: Adnan A Hyder Reconfiguration of surgical, emergency, and trauma services: Recommendations are useful for configuring emergency services in the developing world BMJ 2004; 328: 523 [Full text]

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Emergency Services in the developing World.

Nandalal J Gunaratne   (1 March 2004)

Emergency Services in the developing World. 1 March 2004
Nandalal J Gunaratne, Urological Surgeon Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, Sri Lanka Send response to journal: Re: Emergency Services in the developing World.	The emergency services in a developing country are virtually non- existent to a large part of the rural population. The larger cities do have hospitals where there is an emergency service. However these services are poorly organised and insufficiently staffed and equipped. The situation is particularly tragic as the effect of trauma to the individual, the family and the society is considerable. To some, life after trauma is useless. The cost to the country of looking after people unable to fend for themselves, is unbearable. The prevention of trauma, the management of the patient in the field/site, first aid measures, proper handling/moving of the injured patient and appropriate transport, could be very effective. This alone could well make a big difference. Trauma/Emergency management must be taught in school. The teachers must be educated, the students by them and their parents by the children. There should be trained volunteers in the village including, General Practitioners, native medical practitioners, public health nurses etc. It must be part of primary care. This will be far more effective than just developing hospital care as Emergency Care. Competing interests: None declared