Tyranny of Distance
MELBOURNE, May 16 /Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --
“Of all the health issues in Alice Springs trauma and violence are the most preventable,” said Dr
Ollapalli Jacob today at the co-joint Annual Scientific Congress of the College of Surgeons of
Australasia and Hong Kong.
“We need to focus on collaborating with the local health care authorities and the community to find
solutions to prevent the rampant alcoholism.
“As well car accidents, homicide, suicide and violence contribute substantially to the diseases
suffered by the people who live in the Alice Springs,” Dr Jacob said.
Alice Springs has the highest reported incidence of stab injuries in the world. Violence accounts for
more than half the annual trauma case load at the Alice Springs Hospital.
Weekly surgical audits have shown a steady rise of trauma admissions to the hospital between
2000 and 2006.
“The tyranny of distance still rules in Central Australia and it is almost impossible to get a victim to a
trauma centre within the hour known in our industry as the golden hour - geography selects for
survival.
The average time of a patient reaching Alice Springs Hospital after an accident is 6.5 hours and that
is just too long,” said Dr Jacob.
“Measures must be taken to put a stop to the large scale alcohol genocide to save one of the most
unique and ancient cultures of the world.
“People are frustrated, most are unemployed and they have nothing to do, so they turn to drinking.
“Most injuries are related to alcohol and there are no immediate or short term solutions, we need a
plan to combat this.
“The Australian government intervention may be a start and culturally appropriate primary health
care, but genuine consultation with Indigenous people and continuous effort is required for it to be
successful.
Trauma is among the leading causes of death and disability in Central Australia and these injuries
often affect young people causing long term disability.
Fiona Gillies, RACS Media & PR Manager on +61 407 339 556 or +852 2132 4886
Ruth Charters, RACS Media & PR Officer on +852 9767 1350 OR +852 2132 4885
SOURCE: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
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