Road Traffic Accident : What Is Being Practiced on the Scene to RTA Casualties in Al-Ahsa City, Saudi Arabia ?

Abstract

Background: In Saudi Arabia, road traffic accidents (RTA) is a burden to health, economy and community because of the increasing number of deaths and disabilities. Many victims of RTA had poor pre-hospital care undertaken by untrained lay people. Provision of first aid to RTA victims has helped in reduction the related morbidity and mortality. Aim: To assess how the car drivers’ attitude and practice in case of RTA in Al-Ahsa city, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study between March and May, 2017 among drivers in Al-Ahsa city situated in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia. Using pretested interview-based questionnaires. More than 252 responses have been collected by trained medical students, and 249 responses have been included. Results: All the participants were male. 44.2% were bachelors and 45.4% students. A large number of the participants are non-first aid trained (73.9%). 70.7% of the participants do not have willingness to provide first aid for road traffic accident victim. The majority (71.1%) have witnessed an RTA sustaining injured individuals and 36.9% have intervened. 67.5% of the responders have been involved in RTA themselves, and 29.3% of them have sustained at least one injury. Conclusion: There is an insufficient experience in dealing with RTA. The knowledge of the drivers about first aid should be sought further and explored. RTA in Saudi Arabia is a major problem that require an action and consideration from both the community and the government by increasing awareness and putting strict rules to enhance the community to assume a safe driving and improve their skills.