IN a weekend that has seen the deaths of two expatriate delivery motorcyclists on the roads of Bahrain, a shocking new study reveals the extent of the injuries suffered by hundreds who survive with their lives.
MPs and drivers have blamed a lack of training and suicidal antics by riders rushing to arrive at their destinations … and the bikers blame inconsiderate speeding motorists who fail to adopt a ‘think once, think twice, think bike’ mindset.
Delivery workers in Bahrain were susceptible to lower limb injuries and head trauma due to road accidents, the local report has revealed, and more than half were aged under 30.
The study, titled ‘Motorbike Accidents Involving Delivery Personnel at King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) Bahrain’, analysed 313 cases of delivery personnel involved in motorcycle accidents during their working hours from January 2016 to December 2019.
It was co-authored by KHUH orthopaedic surgeons Mohammed Ali, Mohammad Sajid and Syed Jilani, as well as by Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain orthopaedic surgeon Shayma Ali, KHUH Orthopaedics and Traumatology specialist Dr Ahsan Butt, Salmaniya Medical Complex biostatistician Rommel Acunin.
It emphasises the need for region-specific measures, such as mandatory helmet laws and the establishment of safer routes.
“Motorcycles offer the dual benefits of optimising road system utilisation and reducing environmental impact,” the study accepts. “However, the surge in home delivery services in Bahrain has led to an increase in motorcycle-related injuries.
“The study contributes to improving road safety and trauma management while supporting further research and policy development in Bahrain.”
Participants of the study were delivery personnel aged 18-60 years who experienced motorbike accidents and needed treatment at KHUH.
Eligible cases involved injuries directly related to motorbike accidents. Only patients presenting to the emergency department within 72 hours of the accident and using standard two-wheeled motorbikes were included.
Riders under the influence of drugs or alcohol, those with non-trauma diagnosis or preexisting medical conditions unrelated to the accident were excluded.
According to the results, 167 participants of the study (about 53.4 per cent), were aged 30 and under. Of total 313 cases, 64 (about 20.4pc) were admitted to the hospital for observation and trauma code (standardised procedure used at trauma centres that dictates the initial management of trauma patients) were activated for 25 patients (8pc).
Endotracheal intubation (a medical procedure in which a tube is placed into the windpipe through the mouth or nose), was carried out on six patients (1.9pc).
Blood transfusion was needed for four patients (1.3pc), 34 patients (10.9pc) underwent CT Scans, and 36 (11.5pc) needed surgery.
The ambulance was deployed for 175 cases (55.9pc), and on average, patients stayed in the hospital for a day.
Frequency of motorcycle related injuries have varied, with 21.7pc of accidents resulting in injuries in 2016, 30.7pc in 2017, 28.4pc in 2018 and 19.2pc in 2019.
The most common injuries occurred at the lower limb (65.5pc of cases), followed by the upper limb (52.4pc), head (20.4pc), pelvis (8.2pc), chest (7.6pc), spine (5.4pc) and abdomen (5.1pc).
By far, abrasions were the most common type of injuries, constituting 74.4pc of the cases, with the second most common type – lacerations, being recorded in only 14pc of cases. Fractures of the tibia, spine, skull, ribs, etc were less common.
The study states that these results may be due to a number of factors.
“Delivery personnel are more likely to be involved in accidents during peak hours, when time pressures and job-related distractions heighten the risk,” the study said. “However, systemic issues like insufficient training, limited safety awareness and a lack of regulation also persist.
“Delivery personnel face specific risks that other motorcyclists do not, including time-sensitive traffic hazards and potential conflicts with merchants and customers. The income dependence of these riders has been associated with increased work-related injuries, with workload serving as a mediator.
“To combat this, there is a need for mandatory helmet laws, use of protective gear, and safer routes for delivery. Furthermore, local awareness campaigns about safe riding practices and enhanced training programmes for delivery staff can play a crucial role in reducing injury risks.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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