It is fitting that Apollo Children’s Hospitals decided to open their brand new Trauma Care Centre for kids on World Trauma Day. Opened by TK Rajendran, Additional Director General of Police (L&O) on Wednesday, the Apollo Children’s Centre for Trauma (ACT) is equipped with high-tech medical equipment and paediatric trauma experts.
Studies have indicated that every year, around 10 lakh children die of incurred injuries and a number of these injured kids end up in hospitals later, but these can be avoided by offering timely trauma care. ACT is a paediatric centre which provides a multi-disciplinary care approach. Pertaining to the fact that children are not smaller versions of adults and treatment and medical equipment required for elders are not perfect for kids, ACT is equipped with child-sized medical equipment. It is the only trauma centre for children with intracranial pressure monitoring to treat severe traumatic brain injury. The centre is facilitated with an in-house blood storage and CT scan facility, 24 hours radiology and laboratory services, in addition to a special paediatric ambulance service for rapid transfer of children requiring immediate interventions.
Speaking about the children’s centre for trauma, Dr Indira Jayakumar, senior consultant, Paediatric Trauma and Emergency, Apollo Children’s Hospitals, said, “According to studies, children who suffer trauma have a better outcome if they receive care in a dedicated paediatric trauma centre. The first hour of trauma in adults is called the ‘Golden Hour’, while in children, it is called as the ‘Platinum 30 minutes’ and every minute’s delay can prove fatal.”
She added, “Medical experts at ACT offer 360 degree care to little ones through diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up care. ACT will also work towards preventing injury through community outreach programmes to educate the public, parents and children on how to avoid preventable injuries.”
Apollo Children’s Hospitals held slogan and painting competitions for school students to create awareness among them on safety measures like fastening seat belts, wearing helmets, avoiding mobile phone and consumption of alcohol while driving and winners were awarded with prizes and certificates at the launch.