World Trauma Day – October 17, 2022, history, significance
World Trauma Day is observed on October 17 each year with an emphasis on saving lives and how to properly attend to emergency cases. The day is structured to create increased awareness about trauma and to educate the public on ways to address traumatic incidents and deaths.
Did you know that traumatic injuries have caused more deaths to people below the age of 45 than malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis? Furthermore, over 9% of deaths around the world are caused by traumatic injuries! World Trauma Day observations seek to lower these rates.
HISTORY OF WORLD TRAUMA DAY
World Trauma Day was created in New Delhi, India, in 2011. This was a result of the high number of deaths caused by road accidents in the country — an estimate of over 400 people lost their lives each day to it. The day was created to reduce injuries and deaths, as well as the after-effects of trauma incidents in the country and the world at large.
Road accidents are considered to be one of the most common causes of traumatic experiences around the world. Traumatic experiences from military operations, domestic abuse, and sexual assaults follow shortly behind.
These experiences, if not handled properly, can result in victims suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.). According to accounts dating back to the 5th century, B.C. trauma was visible in Ancient Greece and was also reported among soldiers during the American Civil War in the 1860s.
World War II came with developments on how trauma was conceived by many. Soldiers were then allowed to take a break from the war to clear off their heads and then return to wars later on. During the Vietnam and Korean wars, the use of talk therapy for trauma victims began to hold ground.
The then-Veterans Administration, which is now known as the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, started a group therapy program for P.T.S.D. victims. The commemoration of World Trauma Day, on the other hand, guarantees that people are well-informed about how to cope with trauma and avoid it when possible.
WORLD TRAUMA DAY TIMELINE
5 B.C.
The Earliest Trauma Occurrence
Herodotus tells of a Spartan commander who excuses soldiers that are “…out of heart…” to partake in wars despite their proven bravery.
1666
An Early P.T.S.D. Observation in London
Londoners become anxious and sleepless after surviving the great fire of London.
1979
A Bill for Reaching Out to Veterans
The bill for creating outreach centers for Vietnam veterans with P.T.S.D. is passed into law in America.
1910s
British Soldiers are Executed for Cowardice
Over 300 British soldiers suffering from shock are executed for cowardice.
2011
World Trauma Day is Observed
The observation of World Trauma Day begins in India as a way to raise awareness and curtail the incidence of frequent car accidents in the country.
