Emergencies are unexpected, abrupt, and frequently overwhelming. Panic frequently takes over when a loved one becomes seriously ill in the middle of the night, leaving us unsure of what to do. Every second matters during those crucial times, and having access to prompt, high-quality medical care can mean the difference between life and death. The essence of emergency care is characterised by this sense of urgency.

On May 27, in observance of World Emergency Medicine Day, B.P. Poddar Hospital in New Alipore hosted a seminar aimed at raising awareness of emergency response and care. In order to save lives during medical emergencies, the session emphasised the importance of prompt action, precise triage, and contemporary infrastructure.

Emergency medical care starts not only at the hospital but also frequently at the patient’s home or while traveling in an ambulance, as demonstrated by doctors and other medical professionals in live demonstrations and videos. Particular attention was paid to trauma care, which is an essential part of emergency services, particularly when it comes to traffic accidents, where pre-hospital intervention can greatly enhance results.

To demonstrate the hospital’s thorough readiness, the seminar also addressed emergency procedures for ailments like stroke, heart attack, eye trauma, hypo/hyperglycemia, and snake bite. Every step of emergency response was covered, from the infrastructure for ambulance-based care to the quick deployment of diagnostic tests upon hospital arrival.

According to B.P. Poddar Hospital Group Advisor Mr. Supriyo Chakrabarty, “Emergency care is a race against time.” It requires rapid decision-making, highly qualified experts, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Our objective is to improve survival rates and minimise significant delays by starting advanced care as soon as the ambulance arrives. The goal of this project was to increase understanding of these systems and tactics.

The head of the emergency department, Dr. Debanu Das, spoke to the assembled audience as well. Physicians, nurses, paramedics, and members of the public attended the event and all left with important new knowledge about how to better handle medical emergencies.

Priyanka Dutta