ACCIDENTS

Presentation by DR. VIOLET (de Sa) PINTO Lecturer, Department of PSM

WHO DEFINITION
Unpremeditated

event resulting in recognizable damage

Important types in India

Natural disasters Unnatural disastersTraffic accidents Drowning Fire Poisoning Collapse of structure Falls Fire arms Factory accidents Killed by animals

Types
Road

traffic accidents Domestic accidents- home and domestic surrounding, e.g. burns, drowning, poisoning, falls Industrial accidents Railway accidents Violence Multiple causation

PRIMARY FACTORS IN ACCIDENTS

Human factors Environmental factors

Increased vulnerability to risk situation

Precipitating

factors

ACCIDENT

HUMAN FACTORS

Age Sex Education Medical conditions- sudden illness, heart attack, impaired vision Psychological factors- lack of experience, risk taking, defective judgment, aggressiveness, poor perception Lack of body protection- helmets, safety belts, etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Relating

to road- defective narrow roads, road layout, cross roads break Relating to vehicle- excessive speed, old poorly maintained vehicles Bad weather Inadequate enforcement of existing laws Mixed traffic

PRECIPITATING FACTORS
Heightened

emotional tension Alcohol and drugs Special traffic conditions Social pressure (traveling in groups) Use of stolen vehicles

PREVENTION

Data collectionProportional mortality rate, No. of deaths per million population, No. of accidents/fatalities as a ratio of the number of vehicles per kilometers or passengers per kilometer. Safety education Promotion of safety measures-seat belts, safety helmets Alcohol and other drugs use Primary care- Accidents Services Organization Elimination of causative factors Enforcement of laws Rehabilitation services Accident research

WHO themes
Road

safety is no accident

2004

Shape

the future of life- Healthy environment for children

2003 1993

Handle

life with care. Prevent violence and negligence