Around 1000 Experts and Delegates Expected to Participate in EMS 2012

In the view of the rising trauma cases in India, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Hospital Administration, is organising an “International Congress on Emergency Medical Service Systems – EMS 2012” between February, 9-11, 2012 at AIIMS, New Delhi. Raelene Kambli speaks with Dr Shakti Gupta, Chairperson, Head, Department of Hospital Administration and Medical Superintendent, Dr R.P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences and JPNA Trauma Centre, AIIMS

What is the rationale behind organising an event dedicated to Emergency Medicine?

For last two decades I have been working in various forums where disaster and emergency medicine are often discussed topics but nothing concrete has still shaped up at planning level in our country. It is alarming to know that as per WHO, 8.5 million young lives will be lost due to various types of injuries across the globe by the year 2020.  80 per cent of this burden is going to be in developing countries like India.  According to National Crime Report Bureau, approximately 1,20000 young lives were lost in road crashes in India in 2008.  The number of persons killed is rising up by 5 – 6 per cent each year. Besides road traffic injuries, accidents at work places kill one person every five minutes in India.  

As per the National Road Safety Policy, the Government of India is committed to ensure that all persons involved in road accidents benefit from speedy and effective trauma care and management. The essential function of such a system would include provision of rescue operation and administration of first aid at the site of an accident and evacuation of the victim under adequate medical care to prevent loss of life and limb. Hence, there was need to hold such type of meeting in India.

What are the main highlights of EMS 2012?

The theme of this congress is 'Every second counts' emphasising the need for timely delivery of healthcare to the affected victims. Approximately 1000 experts and delegates from diverse fields such as emergency medical specialists, structural engineers, police officials, architects, disaster management specialists, road transport experts etc., are expected to participate in this mega event from across the globe. Experts on EMS from various countries such as US, UK, Israel, Germany, Romania, Canada, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia and neighbouring countries like Pakistan besides our own top experts from various government agencies will deliberate on the contemporary issues.

The objectives of this congress are to create awareness regarding the current status of EMS in India, sensitise the policy makers and healthcare providers for the need of a world class EMS system in India, deliberate on recent advances and future trends emphasise the importance of synergy and networking of stakeholders in providing prompt and timely EMS and provide a common platform for the convergence of National and International think tanks in the field of EMS to develop an efficient, effective and economical system for India

What are the main scientific sessions planned for this year?

The scientific programme of this congress has been designed to address the contemporary issues in the field of EMS in India such as: Ambulance Design, Systems Approach to EMS, etc., which is often ignored at various national and international forums. The following areas are proposed to be deliberated during the Congress:

• Current scenario of EMS in India vis a vis the global scenario
• Trauma/Emergency Care Model – A Systems Approach
• Pre-Hospital Emergency Care – Planning Considerations and Challenges
• Ambulance Designing and Equipping – A Transport Vehicle or more?
• Trauma Centre/ ED - Planning, Designing and Equipping
• Aero Medical Rescue Services – Planning and Design Principles
• Mass Casualty Incident, Disaster and CBRN Management
• Human Resource Mobilisation, Education and Training Facets in EMS
• Legal and Ethical Issues in EMS
• Telemedicine in EMS – A reality check
• Future trends in EMS across the globe

Can you briefly tell us about the exhibition stalls at the event.

The exhibition stalls of this event will showcase the latest technologies and developments in the field of EMS across the globe; it will also act as a platform for exchange of technology and knowledge amidst various stakeholders who can play an active part in planning and designing the EMS of our country. The exhibition stalls have been planned to be the knowledge hub of the latest gadgets and contemporary systems available and the exhibitor will benefit the most as delegates and experts coming for this congress are from far and wide across the globe.

Will any advanced products and technologies be launched at this event?

This is not the launching pad of any specific product; however, the latest in the field of EMS system such as advanced ambulances, EMS kits, equipment, concepts of air ambulances etc., will be on display and the delegates can be benefitted with such extortion. The whole emphasis of this conference is to usher in change at systems level that is the systems of trauma care in our country are augmented with the latest available technology and developments so that our EMS preparedness is at par with other nations.

Did you face any difficulties while organising the event? As the Chairman what steps have you taken for the betterment of the event?

Whenever any task is undertaken difficulties will be an integrated part of it. I teach all my students that difficulty is not an apt word; difficulty is amalgamation of challenges and opportunities. No challenge is there which is not surmountable. There were challenges such as explaining this whole new concept to the environment, making the environment ready for such an event by emphasising the need and time to take the EMS care to next level in our country etc. I’m happy to inform you that the policy makers of our countries appreciated the need for such a congress and have whole heartedly supported this mega event. It was heartening to see that people across the globe treat emergencies at par and experts were more than happy to reach out to the populace in our country. Arranging resources for this mega event was again a major challenge but I, along with my team, am now comfortably placed and am looking forward to see the paradigm shift in EMS system that this congress envisages for India.

What are your expectations from this year's event?

My expectation from this congress is to pave the way for change in systems approach to trauma care and emergency medicine in our country. This event should act as a wakeup call for our planners and administrators who can benefit from the deliberations and the exhibitions. This will also help the in formulating a holistic EMS policy encompassing national framework for the EMS System. This framework should specify the broad specifications, guidelines and protocols for the various components of EMS System.

What is your view regarding Air Ambulances in India and are there any guidelines regarding the same in the country?

Air ambulances are and will be an indispensible tool for providing emergency medical services to the citizens of India keeping in view our chaotic traffic conditions. The recent crash of a single engine air ambulance in the NCR region has highlighted the need of developing national guidelines regarding air ambulance operations in the country. Globally, the countries are strictly enforcing safe air ambulance operations by notifying simple regulations.

In India, we are working on developing India specific guidelines for Air Ambulance Operations in collaboration with the various regulatory authorities. Also, these issues will be deliberated upon in this congress and we look forward to having quality air ambulances in India soon.

raelene.kambli@expressindia.com