Special training has been initiated for health staff in all districts regarding efficient ways to administer first aid to patients following an accident, claimed the Health Ministry’s Injury Prevention and Control Unit’s Injury Prevention Programme National Programme Manager consultant Dr. Samitha Sirithunga.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (20), Dr. Sirithunga said that there are more than 1.3 million accident-related admissions to State hospitals annually and that between 10,000-12,000 die due to accidents every year, with 35-45 deaths being reported per day. “The number of people who become totally disabled or die due to accidents in Sri Lanka, including road accidents, is high. The unit (the Health Ministry’s Injury Prevention and Control Unit) has initiated a new programme in order to reduce the number of accidents and deaths caused by accidents”.

He further noted: “First aid will be provided to patients of an accident in an efficient way. It is the aim of our project. The right and most effective steps will be taught to health staff. The training entails the most crucial steps that should be followed after an accident. In this manner, the health system is striving to provide the public with the most efficient and effective first aid.”

Additionally, the unit has also planned to conduct an accident review programme.