Golden Hour -The First 60 Minutes: Overview by Ziqitza Healthcare
Extensive data analysis done world over has shown that many patients with a life-threatening injury or a life-threatening medical condition die within first one hour.
FollowZiqitza Healthcare Ltd regularly partners with state governments and National Health Mission (NHM), to operate 108 Helpline for medical emergency for the general public. 108 ambulance services are run by respective state governments in all states. It is a free service available to the public for transport of emergency cases. Anyone who needs an ambulance can call toll-free number “108”. The call centre executives record the necessary details and depending on nature of emergency assign an ambulance for the case. The ambulance is manned bya trained Emergency Medical Technicianand a driver trained in first aid. The patient is taken to the nearest Government Health Care Institution for management. The service is also used for interfacility transfer from primary health care institution to a higher centre when patient needs more advanced care. The EMT also may contact doctor on call for advice.
Extensive data analysis done world over has shown that many patients with a life-threatening injury or a life-threatening medical condition die within first one hour. If the patient is shifted to a health care institution within this hour, the chances of saving the patient or minimizing the resulting disabilities are more. Hence, it is aptly called “Golden Hour”. In the ambulance, first aid and primary treatment can be given to stabilize the patient. That is why pre-hospital care is especially important to reduce mortality, reduce complications and reduce the incidence of disabilities.
Ziqitza’s team of doctors and paramedic have analysed data of emergencies handled. Averaging the data from these states show that most of the emergencies managed are pregnancy related emergencies, trauma (road traffic accidents and other Injuries), gastro-intestinal problems, chest pain or breathing problems and interfacility transfers (i.e., transfer between two hospitals).
Pregnancy related emergencies can be fatal for both mother and the unborn foetus remarked Dr. Data from Ziqitza Healthcare. They include severe bleeding, prolonged or obstructed labour, high blood pressure in pregnancy or infections. Unsafe abortions also contribute to the maternal mortality. The new-born may be at risk due to prolonged labour, low birth weight or failure of respiration immediately after birth.
The incidence of death and disabilities due to road accidents and other injuries are also remarkably high. Head, chest, and abdominal injuries, severe bleeding, assaults, burns, electric shock are the main causes. Wounds can become infected if not immediately cleaned and later can cause severe infection which can kill the patient.Importance of pre-hospital care, from first aid to transporting a critical patient to hospital all have to be managed in the First 60 minutes i.e Golden Hour.
Sometimes patient must be referred to a tertiary care hospital since manpower and facilities may not be adequate at primary care hospital commented Dr. Data from Ziqitza. Life savings surgeries for head, chest and abdominal injuries, requirement of blood transfusions, or medical conditions such as heart attacks, life threatening infections can be treated in a hospital where advanced facilities are available. Any sudden breathing difficulty or severe allergy or chest pain indicative of heart attack, are dire medical emergencies and needs rapid transport to the hospital to save life.
Gastro-intestinal problems especially severe diarrhoea and vomiting can be fatal, especially in children since it leads to severe dehydration and low BP. Administration of Oral rehydration solution or IV fluids can save life. Similar observations were made by the team at Ziqitza Rajasthan.
Dr. Santosh Datar from Ziqitza Healthcare Limited remarked “our EMTs stationed in the 108 ambulances on arrival assess the patient and initiate management of the patient on site and during transport. If necessary, doctor on call is consulted to further assistance for the patient onboard. Measures such as management of airway and breathing, administration of oxygen, I.V. fluids, control of bleeding, stabilization of fractures, wound cleaning, and dressing, conducting safe delivery, cooling of burns, treatment of chest injuries, CPR in case of cardiac arrest etc. can save life, prevent complications, and minimize disabilities. We take immense pride that our paramedics are well trained to handle the patient on board and stabilize and increase their survival rate till they reach the hospital.”
About Ziqitza Healthcare Limited
Ziqitza Health Care Limited (ZHL) has been one of the leading players in India’s Emergency Medical Services industry since 2005. ZHL Rajasthan & Ziqitza Limited Rajasthan also have appreciated the Tele-Health services to provide quality healthcare services to people as per their convenience. Ziqitza is a “one-stop integrated healthcare solution” for corporate or government that include Integrated Emergency Services and Corporate Health Solutions. The service network includes 3,300 ambulances, state of art Helpline centres and medical mobile units that services 2 customers every second in India. We work with multiple state governments and 75 corporate clients in India and Gulf. Ziqitza is winner of Global Real impact Awards and Times Social Impact Award.
Ziqitza Limited, India’s biggest emergency medical response firm, has been acquired by the MUrgency Group for a majority Stake. MUrgency Group is founded by Mr. Shaffi Mather and is backed by leading investors for various businesses ranging from business incubation, airport assistance services, quaternary medical care, reproductive & fertility medicine, e-commerce and fintech in India, UAE, and USA.
For further information please contact: visakh.dayanandan@zhl.in
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