Khulna: A recent study has revealed that around 60 percent of people in Bangladesh do not have any formal knowledge or training on providing first aid to burn victims. The findings were disclosed today at a press conference held at the Khulna Press Club conference hall.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the study titled 'Immediate Response and Overall Management of Mass Burn and Multi-dimensional Trauma Emergencies in Bangladesh' was conducted by a Khulna-based health research centre under the supervision and support of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC). Principal Investigator of the study and Programme Head of the research centre, Professor Dr. Banga Kamal Basu, presented the findings at the event.
Data for the study were collected from high-risk industrial areas including Dhaka and Khulna city corporations, Mongla, Savar, and Ashulia. The study found that more than 62 percent of people are unaware of how to ensure the safety of burn victims during transportation. Harmful traditional practices, such as applying toothpaste, oil, or ice on burn injuries, still persist among the populace.
The research also revealed that most respondents have very limited knowledge about immediate measures to prevent inhalation burns and patient management following internationally recognised ATLS guidelines, significantly increasing the risk of death in emergency situations. Statistical analysis indicated major gaps in community and institutional readiness despite theoretical preparedness on paper.
Additionally, public awareness about the Fire Service emergency hotline number '102' remains almost non-existent due to inadequate publicity, despite government initiatives. Principal Component Analysis of the study identified the lack of social capacity at the community level as the biggest weakness in disaster response, accounting for 27.2 percent of the overall vulnerability.
The study also pointed out limitations in private hospitals, accounting for 11.4 percent, and weaknesses in the government healthcare system, accounting for 5.8 percent, as major barriers to providing emergency medical services. This indicates a severe shortage of specialised burn and trauma care facilities. Researchers highlighted that lack of coordination among rescue agencies and delays in information exchange are hampering patient transfer and prompt treatment during emergencies.
To address the situation, the researchers strongly recommended implementing a Comprehensive Burn-Polytrauma Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response (CBPDPER) model. The recommendations include preparing hazard mapping of industrial zones and hospital capacities at the local level, ensuring 'green corridors' for uninterrupted movement of fire service vehicles and ambulances, and installing fire hydrants at important locations in cities.
The study also urged the formation of coordination committees at City Corporation and upazila levels, strengthening 24-hour emergency response units in hospitals, introducing standard triage systems, and making regular first aid training and fire drills mandatory in schools, colleges, and industrial areas. Speakers at the press conference emphasized the increasing risks of fire incidents and earthquakes due to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, highlighting the imperative need to implement the recommendations.