Dr Christopher Otabor, a medical expert, emphasizes that negligence and delayed medical intervention contribute significantly to fatalities at the scene of road accidents.
Survival chances for accident victims heavily depend on the promptness of medical treatment they receive after the incident. Proper care and immediate attention at the accident site play a crucial role in increasing the survival rate of patients.
During a visit from Isa Muta’a, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Otabor, who serves as the Medical Director at Alliance Hospital, underlines the importance of providing emergency care without preconditions, aligning with efforts to combat road traffic accidents.
Dr Otabor expresses, “Neglect, lack of knowledge on how to assist at accident scenes, and delayed medical aid are often the causes of deaths resulting from road accidents. Even if the FRSC responds promptly, fatalities can still occur if hospitals are not prepared to treat patients in a timely manner.”
He stresses the necessity of immediate treatment for accident victims, regardless of their ability to pay, emphasizing the vital role of proper first aid and trauma support in saving lives.
Regarding road safety, Dr Otabor warns against distracted driving, noting a significant increase in the risk of accidents when drivers are not fully focused on the road.
He advises, “A momentary distraction, such as using a phone while driving, can have fatal consequences. Drivers need to remain attentive to prevent tragic outcomes.”
Recognizing the shared responsibility in promoting road safety, Dr Otabor suggests community engagement to complement government efforts in raising awareness on road safety issues.
He reassures the road safety authorities of his dedication to saving more lives and commits to training officials in effective emergency response procedures at accident scenes.
In response, Sector Commander Isah Muta’a highlights the need for collaboration to reduce road accident fatalities by 5% annually over the next ten years, aligning with the government’s action plan.
Muta’a emphasizes the importance of partnerships with hospitals for efficient victim care and expresses readiness to work closely with stakeholders to improve traffic management strategies.