Citation

Arosanyin G. Indian Highw. 2005; 15-20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Indian Roads Congress)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article discusses the public health problem of road traffic accident injuries in Nigeria and the potential for improving the situation by improving the available road trauma care facilities. Fatalities could be reduced by early medical intervention, including all stages from bystanders to rehabilitation following recovery. After a crash, bystanders are reluctant to be involved and lack first aid training or equipment: transport to hospital is unreliable; hospital treatment and drugs are expensive; and rehabilitation poor or lacking. The situation is worse in rural than in urban areas. Recommendations include better organisation of the emergency services, more funding of medical personnel, improved first aid knowledge in the general population, and greater emphasis on rehabilitation.