Photo : TDM
At least 9,951 people lost their lives, and 12,356 others suffered injuries in 6,749 road accidents across Bangladesh in 2022.
According to a report by the Passenger Welfare Association of Bangladesh, this marked an alarming increase of 18.89 per cent in the number of road accidents and a distressing rise of 27.43 per cent in fatalities compared to the previous year. These statistics highlight Bangladesh's status as one of the countries with the highest rates of road traffic injuries globally, indicating a pressing demand for emergency care services, much like other nations worldwide.
The emergency section of a hospital is designed and equipped to handle a diverse range of emergencies, from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. Some of the most prevalent emergencies that patients may encounter include:
• Cardiac emergencies: These encompass heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
• Strokes: Caused by a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, strokes demand prompt evaluation and treatment.
• Respiratory emergencies: Conditions like asthma attacks, pneumonia, and sudden cardiac arrest require urgent attention to safeguard patients' well-being.
• Trauma: This category involves injuries stemming from accidents, falls, or acts of violence, necessitating quick and effective management.
• Poisoning: Accidental ingestion of toxins, drugs, or chemicals can lead to poisoning, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled electrical discharges in the brain necessitate immediate evaluation and intervention.
• Diabetic emergencies: Diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia are critical complications of diabetes that require timely medical care.
• Allergic reactions: Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions necessitate prompt medical attention to prevent adverse outcomes.
Given the critical nature of these emergencies, it is crucial for individuals experiencing any of these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. Hospital emergency sections are staffed with trained doctors and nurses capable of handling these types of crises effectively. Timely intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes and increase the likelihood of recovery.
Despite the importance of emergency care services, there have been concerns regarding the availability and quality of such care in Bangladesh. A 2021 study by the World Health
Organization revealed that the average wait time for patients in emergency departments globally is 6 hours, significantly exceeding the recommended wait time of 2 hours. Additionally, a 2022 study conducted by the Bangladesh Medical Research Council found that the mortality rate for patients in emergency departments in Bangladesh is 10 per cent, higher than the global average of 7 per cent. These findings emphasize the need for addressing the challenges faced by emergency care providers in the country.
United Hospital, a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospital, has been at the forefront of addressing the challenges associated with providing high-quality emergency care in Bangladesh. JCI accreditation ensures adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety in healthcare settings. United Hospital's commitment to identifying, measuring, and sharing best practices in quality and patient safety with the world has resulted in innovative solutions to improve performance and outcomes across healthcare organizations.
If you or a loved one requires emergency care, do not hesitate to visit United Hospital. Here, you can have complete confidence that you will receive safe and effective care, backed by the hospital's prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.
JCI Accredited Hospital, like United Hospital, adhere to strict quality indicators for their emergency medicine departments. One of the crucial benchmarks to receive JCI accreditation is the time taken for doctors' initial assessment of patients attending the Emergency Medicine department. United Hospital has successfully met this standard benchmark, ensuring prompt evaluation and care for patients in critical situations.
Another critical assessment criterion is addressing patient return within 72 hours to the Emergency Medicine department. Right assessment and diagnosis reduce the probability of patients returning to the emergency within 72 hours. United Hospital has effectively achieved this benchmark, demonstrating its commitment to providing comprehensive and effective care to prevent unnecessary readmissions.
"JCI accreditation is a rigorous process that requires hospitals to meet the highest standards of quality and patient safety. This is especially important in emergency care, where every second counts. United Hospital is proud to be a JCI-accredited hospital, and we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care. We are setting a new standard for emergency care in Bangladesh, and we are making a real difference in the lives of patients," said Dr. G.W.M Zahidul Hasan, MBBS, DFM (UK), MSc-EM (TAU), Junior Consultant & Emergency Coordinator, United Hospital.
While speaking on this occasion, Dr. Tasbirul Islam, MD, FCCP, MRCP(UK), FRCP, Chairperson, Planetary Health Academia (PHA), Clinical Associate Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine Consultant, Dept. Of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Indiana University Arnett Hospital, USA said “Congratulations to United Hospital on achieving accreditation from JCI, yet another landmark in your journey of contributing to the healthcare landscape of Bangladesh with international quality healthcare services. This accreditation encompasses all areas of the hospital and is a truly excellent achievement which takes hard work, dedication and best practice in all areas to account. I am quite sure that it’ll promote rigorous standards of care and provide solutions for achieving positive patient outcomes.”
At United Hospital, every patient undergoes immediate assessment and is catered to based on their Triage Category and treatment needs. The Triage Category sorting system prioritizes patients based on the immediate threat to their life, ensuring that the most critical cases receive immediate attention and care.
United Hospital boasts 12 certified American Heart Association (AHA) instructors who provide essential medical emergency training, including:
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• ATLS (Advance Training Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• NALS (Neonatal Advanced Life Support)
This extensive training equips the medical staff with the necessary skills to handle a wide range of emergencies competently.
Largest Private Emergency Facility: United Hospital's emergency facility is the largest private emergency unit in the country, equipped and trained to handle the most critical patients. With 22 beds, the facility can cater to a substantial number of emergency cases, ensuring that patients receive timely and comprehensive care.
The emergency facility at United Hospital is staffed with highly skilled and experienced doctors and nurses, dedicated to providing the best possible care to patients. Operating a dedicated resuscitation room, along with pediatric and gynecology rooms, demonstrates the hospital's commitment to supporting every critical patient.
United Hospital upholds world standard quality care for all patients in the Emergency Medicine department. The JCI accreditation reflects the hospital's dedication to providing top-notch care and continuously improving its services.
TDM/SD
