The golden hour concept is not being applied in its right spirit in the state. What we need is a proper system in place to see that patients get the right treatment at the right time. We need to identify the problem and ensure that timely treatment is given. We should reach a stage where there is no bias in terms of hospitals, be it public or private. Centres should be identified for critical service. As no single hospital can treat all emergency cases, we need to develop a tier system and look at which centre should treat what case. There should be 2 to 3 tier system to see that it does not get overloaded.
I do agree that the Western model cannot be replicated in the Indian primary care system as the logistics and nature of accidents are very different. However, what we need are well trained paramedics in the ambulances. Currently, the concept of paramedics is non-existent in the country. We have improvised technology, but what about trained paramedics? What a paramedic can do in the golden hour is extremely important. There is no point of having technology when those inside the ambulance cannot use it. In many hospitals in the West injuries are screened in 10 minutes and specialists arrive to give priority to the treatment. Also doctors there are not concerned about the cost.
The writer is founder and Chief Neurosurgeon, Bangalore Regenerative Advanced Institute of Neurosciences (Brains) Neuro Spine Centre.
