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Trauma Centre Expects Fewer Construction-related Cases

“In the coming months, we expect to see a reduction in construction-related cases since this is among the first industries to be affected by recession,” said Dr Ruben Peralta, Head of Trauma Service, Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre.

Construction-related injuries had risen sharply during the past six months, said Dr Peralta, while speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the Arab Health Congress that concluded on Thursday. He, however, said that it is too early to furnish the exact numbers.

Head injuries are among the top killers. “A safety helmet on the construction site is not enough for the uneducated and unskilled workers: they also need education and awareness if the fatalities are to be reduced,” he suggested.

The centre, ranked as one of the largest trauma centres worldwide, does over 350 trauma-related operations per month. The operation theatre (OT) department is also considered the largest by volume and complexity of cases being handled.Dr Peralta listed vehicle crashes as the second top killer in Dubai.

The centre is also prepared to deal with motorcycle accidents, which he predicted could rise in the future.

“Recession may force people to opt for two-wheelers. Therefore, we may expect more of such accidents.”

He also said that quad bike riding needs to be regulated. “No one should be allowed to ride these bikes without helmets.”

The centre treated several cases that could have easily been avoided.

He said the region needed more trauma centres.

“One centre is not enough for the region, even more so since all small cases too are brought to the centre.” The centre treated more than 130,000 patients in 2007.

· asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

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