Abstract
Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, with delayed emergency response and inadequate prehospital care significantly impacting outcomes. In resource-limited settings like Balochistan, these factors pose critical challenges, exacerbated by infrastructural and logistical constraints.Objective: To evaluate the impact of response time and prehospital care on mortality and recovery outcomes in RTAs in Balochistan.Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in four tertiary care hospitals in Balochistan, focusing on RTAs along three major highways. Data from 300 cases were analyzed, divided into two groups: 150 cases before 2019 and 150 after 2019. Information was collected through structured questionnaires and emergency service records. Response times were categorized as "early" (8–15 minutes) or "late" (>15 minutes). Prehospital care, injury type, and treatment outcomes were also assessed. Statistical analyses included chi-square and independent t-tests using SPSS 25. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.Results: Group 2 demonstrated significantly longer response times (>15 minutes: 89.3% vs. 24.7%, p<0.001) and lower prehospital care rates (24.7% vs. 71.3%, p<0.001). Mortality increased in Group 2 (11.3% vs. 4.7%, p=0.046), while full recovery decreased (31.3% vs. 47.3%, p=0.003).Conclusion: Delayed response times and reduced prehospital care significantly worsened RTA outcomes in Balochistan. Strengthening emergency systems and prehospital care is critical to reducing mortality.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call