For such accident victims, the difference between recovery and death is often measured in minutes. Keeping this in mind, the National Medical Simulation Centre for Training and Research (NMSCTR) organised a conference to promote a new body called the 'UAE Trauma Council'.
Inaugurated this week, the council is considered the first specialist body in the country to focus on accident injuries and related emergencies. It's the leading UAE scientific council to be supported by the Ministry of Health and is affiliated with top medical authorities.
The council will provide critical information to its members, as well as policy makers, and the public, according to Dr Taha Ibrahim, the undersecretary of the National Medical Project,"It supports the needs of families and is a strong supporter of injury prevention, creating preventive programmes for its members," Dr Ibrahim said.
Ministry support
The council was launched with the support of the Ministry of Health and in cooperation with Belhoul Group. It brings together leading doctors and specialists from the Ministry of Health, in addition to a large number of doctors and hospital staff.
"The UTC strongly supports national and Emirates legislation that maintains trauma systems. It is a leading pioneer organisation for trauma care and trauma prevention in the UAE," Dr Ibrahim said.
UTC is taking the first step to exchange international expertise in trauma diagnoses and treatment with the cooperation of leading specialised global establishments such as: the Basic Trauma Life Support International Council in Chicago, Alberta University in Canada, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, the British Advanced Support Life Group and the American Disasters Society.
Dr Taha said: "The survival of any patient who suffers physical trauma is dependent upon an effective system, which must allow for decisions to be taken in the most expedient manner possible. The UTC will work closely with the Ministry of Health and local health authorities supporting legislative and administrative efforts that address the financial and legal issues surrounding trauma."
The members of UTC are the critical players in trauma care, forming the backbone of the systems allowing victims to survive. The council's vision is to save lives through improved trauma care and injury prevention. While its mission is to work with its members to ensure that they are the best informed and the best prepared to provide unsurpassed medical care in their communities.
Speaking about its aims, Dr Taha said: "The UTC aims to foster legislative and financial support for trauma care, trauma systems development and injury prevention.
"It will make the most of partnerships with corporations and other organisations to expand the society's involvement with trauma care and public health. One of its principal roles is to build awareness of these types of injuries as well as their care and prevention."
The council will also ensure that medical institutions have the required tools for their specialist trauma treatment services.
Address the growing demands and needs of the trauma care medical team, sponsor and conduct leading-edge research designed to improve the clinical, operational and administrative and managerial aspects of trauma care and injury prevention, maintain its pre-eminent status as the primary source for information and educational offers regarding trauma care and injury prevention and continue its role as a primary representative organisation for trauma to federal and Emirates governments, national and local media and to private industry.
Dr Taha added: "With the support of the Ministry of Health and the NMSCTR, a project supported by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, the Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) UAE was established and started training in April 2003.
"The BTLS international, based in Chicago, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to comprehensive trauma training and education. Its training programmes are aimed at the pre-hospital or out-of-hospital providers. The UAE is the 100th country to join BTLS."
He added: "The BTLS in the UAE has introduced a number of courses so far, four courses of BTLS provider advanced level, two Paediatric Trauma courses and two BTLS instructor courses."
Abdul Baset Al Janahi, the CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment said: "Our support is in line with the overall strategy of the establishment to support all vital sectors in the country including the health sector, so as to raise the levels of service in that sector and develop projects that ensure higher health standards in the country."
He said: "The establishment works under the directions of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Establishment Board. It ensures full support throughout various stages of its development. By supporting the NMSCTR the establishment has contributed effectively in launching the UAE Trauma Council project."
He said the NMSCTR is the first of its kind in the Middle East and consists of the highest technology standards in the field of medical training.
The UTC membership reflects the full spectrum of trauma care. Individual members range from pre-hospital personnel to those who make up the team who cares for the trauma patient and his or her family.
Members are given the opportunity to belong to an active network of trauma care providers and be an active participant in shaping trauma care for their communities and the nation.
Other benefits include a monthly newsletter on trauma care across the nation, a quarterly publication and a Trauma Information Exchange Programme (TIEP) network.
Dr Taha added: "Members can access UTC programmes and information on local issues and express their opinions. They can also participate in setting national policies on injury prevention and trauma care."
Thwarting rise in traffic accidents
The UAE Trauma Council's authority on the national level extends to prevention of road traffic accidents along with collaboration from the auto insurance industry.
In return, there will be research on issues facing the industry, while the council is set to provide coordination and support in trauma research. A similar close relationship will be sought between the council and military trauma resources.
The council, which will have a website to complement its operations, is set to serve as a conduit for funding and will even develop a political support network to expound the principles of trauma care.
On the other hand, the council's authority among hospital managers and physicians extends to a code of conduct that spells out charges, payment guidelines for specialist physicians, and the establishment of a national trauma centre association.
It will also develop and implement a web-based registry and an education programme for managers at trauma hospitals.
The council is also set to create cost management tools and monitoring systems, develop managed care contracting and payment guidelines and build surgical labour pool that will monitor trauma care facilities.
Training statistics
Number of trained providers 140
Number of instructors 30 (11 nationals)
Number of potential instructors 17 (6 nationals)
Number of doctors trained 88
Total nurses and paramedics trained 52
Gulf News
