FREQUENCY LEVEL OF PREHOSPITAL CARE GIVEN TO TRAUMA PATIENTS VISITING AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI FREQUENCY LEVEL OF PREHOSPITAL CARE GIVEN TO TRAUMA PATIENTS VISITING AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI

Abstract

Background: Prehospital care is critical to improving survival after trauma, yet its provision remains limited in many low- and middle-income countries. We examined the frequency and distribution of prehospital care among trauma patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: We carried out a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 147 trauma patients aged 18–70 years. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected data on demographic characteristics and the care patients received at home, in ambulances, and at primary or secondary health centers before hospital arrival. We performed descriptive analyses and used chi-square tests to explore associations between patient characteristics and receipt of prehospital care.

Results: Most patients were aged 46–70 years (61.2%), female (51.7%), and living in urban areas (84.4%). Only 15% received care at home, 26.5% in ambulances, 23.1% in primary health centers, and 34.7% in secondary health centers. Men were significantly more likely than women to receive ambulance care (p = 0.01). Urban residents were significantly more likely than rural residents to receive care in secondary health centers (p = 0.01). Age was not significantly associated with care at any prehospital level.

Conclusion: Prehospital care for trauma patients was rare, with clear disparities by gender and place of residence. Expanding ambulance networks, training first responders, and improving access to secondary health centers in rural areas could strengthen the trauma care system and improve outcomes.