Role of Emergency Transport Systems in Improving Cardiac and Respiratory Complications in Road Traffic Accident Cases: A District Level Investigation

Abstract

Background: In low and middle-income countries like Pakistan, road traffic accidents (RTAs) continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the worldwide. One of the most dangerous outcomes of such accidents is cardiac and respiratory complications, and the Patient outcomes are significantly influenced by the effectiveness of emergency transport systems. The availability, promptness, and caliber of pre-hospital emergency care are still poorly understood in rural areas like District Karak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how emergency transport systems contribute to fewer cardiac and respiratory issues in RTA cases in the district Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Objective: The role of emergency transport systems in improving cardiac and respiratory complication in road traffic accident cases.  Methodology: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted involving 105 participants, including patients (31%), family members (33%), and emergency medical services (EMS) staff (36%). Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews to evaluate emergency response time, equipment readiness, pre-hospital interventions, and stakeholder satisfaction. Demographic analysis revealed a mean patient age of 30.92 years, with a range spanning from 1 to over 60 years. Males comprised 86% of the cases, while females accounted for 14%. The majority of respondents were from rural areas (65%), with 35% residing in urban settings. Types of emergencies included respiratory (39%), cardiac (17%), and a patient having a both complication (44%). Results: Results specified that emergency transport services played a crucial role in stabilizing patients before hospital arrival. However, gaps were observed in equipment availability, timely response within the "golden hour," and the level of clinical training among EMS personnel. These challenges were more pronounced in rural settings compared to urban areas. The study highlights how effective pre-hospital treatment significantly improves patient survival and recovery, but it also highlights how urgently underserved areas need to invest in EMS infrastructure, training, and resource allocation. Conclusion: The emergency transport systems, mostly in resource-limited districts like Karak, can greatly improve the outcomes of cardiac and respiratory emergencies following RTAs. Representatives and health administrators must prioritize improvements in EMS delivery to reduce preventable deaths and complications during the critical pre-hospital phase.