Muhammad Arshad Arain.
Demographic Determinants of Physical Injuries in Rawalpindi: role of Rescue 1122.
J Islamabad Med Dent Coll Jan ;6(3):148-52.

Objective: To determine demographic characteristics, patterns and causes of physical injuries encountered in Rawalpindi. 2. To access the utilization status of publicly available free of cost Emergency Medical Service System of Rescue 1122. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to March 2017. Data was collected from Rescue 1122 and emergency departments of government hospitals. There were total 2556 reported injured, with no age or gender discrimination. In order to collect the information, briefly designed performas in Urdu language were circulated among the attendants of the injured and sometimes to the injured individuals. Results: Out of 2556 injuries reported during the study period, 1464 (57.30%) were due to fall from heights while 319 (12.5%) accidents were because of road crashes. Among the road crashes, the highest incidence rate for injuries was due to bikes (n=166). As evident from the study that minor injuries; mostly abrasions were most frequent compared with the rest of the types of injury. Out of 2556 cases, only 2.6% (n=67) were transported through Rescue 1122. Majority of the sufferers (27%) had to arrange a private transport to rush to the hospital. Cars were used by 18% and private ambulances by 21% to transport the injured from accident site. Conclusion: Roadside accidents comprise a significant cause of injury. In view of provision of services at the time of these mishaps, rescue 1122 service, though available free of cost, is underutilized.

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