Road Traffic Accident (RTA) takes place because of multiple factors as it happens either owing to the negligence of driver, fault in vehicle or poor maintenance of the road. RTA is taken for granted in our society. A motorcyclist, while driving his motorbike with 80 or 100 kilometer speed per hour on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, is often found engaged in a conversation on his cell phone adjusting it between his head and left shoulder as he bumps into a moving vehicle. Consequently, he sustains head, leg, arm and chest or other injuries. The outcomes of this “normal” RTA are horrifying. Earlier, he was the sole breadwinner of his family and now he becomes burden on his family. In fact, we have turned deaf ears to harsh realities. We give no value to life.
According to a report, 1.3 million people die annually in road traffic crashes across the world and 50 million are injured or disabled every year. Right now, RTA is the 10th leading cause of death. The report further says that road traffic crashes cost $ 518 billion globally, costing individual countries from 1-3 percent of their gross national product. Likewise, over 90 percent of all road fatalities occur in low and middle-income countries (like Pakistan), which have less than half of the world’s vehicles. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half (46 percent) of those dying on roads in all over the world are “vulnerable road users”, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. In Pakistan, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young breadwinners leading to a huge socio-economic burden. But, who will save us from such emergencies? America, UK, Japan, France, Australia? No, no one will step forward for our protection. Pakistan is our beloved homeland and we are the citizens of Pakistan, therefore, we have to protect ourselves and our country.
The worldwide renowned social worker, philanthropist and first Muslim British Parliamentarian Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar, hailing from historic town Faisalabad; Pakistan, has launched an NGO Safe Communities Pakistan aimed at creating a safer environment by developing strategies for prevention of road traffic crashes, fires and building collapse and other factors leading to injuries, public health and hygiene awareness and protecting environment.
Similarly, Pakistan’s largest and modern humanitarian service, the Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) has alone responded to 6, 60, 745 road traffic accidents in Punjab since its inception till filing of this article. According to consolidated report on Road Traffic Accidents (2004 till April, 2013), these accidents have affected 6, 07, 979 males and 1, 72, 475 females, whereas 8352 people have lost their lives. Total 4, 62, 418 persons sustained multiple injuries and were shifted to base hospitals and 3, 09, 681 persons were provided first aid on spot by emergency medical technicians of Rescue 1122. Among the victims, 43, 546 were between (1 to 10 year), 1, 95, 964 between (11 to 20 years), 2, 42, 597 between (21 to 30 years), 1, 53, 873 between (31 to 40 years), 79, 986 between (41 to 50 years), 39, 318 between (51 to 60 years) and some 25, 169 persons were reported above 60 years. The Director General, Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) Dr. Rizwan Naseer says 15, 234 persons sustained spinal, 75, 517 head, 1, 13, 928 leg fracture, 1, 35, 199 multiple fracture and 4, 40, 568 persons suffered as minor injuries during abovementioned road traffic accidents.
Rescue 1122, the brainchild of Pakistan’s renowned trauma surgeon Dr. Rizwan Naseer, has created a sense of safety among the victims of emergencies. Dr. Rizwan is true harbinger of safety and trendsetter in establishing modern system of emergencies in Pakistan. By his human-friendly thoughts and practical hectic efforts, he has Rescue over 1.8 Million lives through Rescue 1122 and changed the minds and public perception towards emergencies. Dr. Rizwan loves life, he loves humanity and he loves to see Rescue 1122 responding immediately to emergencies without any discrimination. He has introduced a structure of modern emergency system in Pakistan; he has established first modern fire service of Pakistan, launched disaster response team, initiated first modern water rescue team and several other initiatives are credited with his name.
A seasoned media practitioner Salim Bokhari opinioned, “Dr Rizwan Naseer has produced Mini-Doctors, who respond like angels and protect lives.” Unfortunately, the people like Dr. Rizwan Naseer are never encouraged when they show enthusiasm to launch any major positive project or initiative for the welfare of society. He too was discouraged by different quarters when he introduced his plan. He was given such replies, “ Dr Saheb this is Pakistan, this is not UK or USA”. Now, a modern system to tackle all emergencies either medical emergency, RTA, fire incident, drowning case, explosion and etc has been established and 50 percent of the overall goal has been achieved but 50 percent lies with mindset change. To achieve rest of the goal, community participation is integral as community members have to come forward and utilize local resources for their own safety and the safety of future generation.
The writer is the public relations officer of Rescue 1122.