Accidental injuries during muslim pilgrimage

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Surgical Trauma Management
• Public Health during Mass Gatherings

Background:

• The Hajj pilgrimage attracts millions of individuals, creating unique public health challenges.
• Understanding the patterns of disease and injury during Hajj is crucial for effective medical planning.
• Trauma represents a notable subset of medical issues encountered by pilgrims.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and types of trauma occurring during the Hajj period.
• To describe the early surgical management of trauma cases during Hajj.
• To inform future strategies for trauma care in this unique setting.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study was conducted over a 15-day period during Hajj.
• Data were collected from emergency room attendances and surgical department admissions.
• Patient follow-up was performed for admitted individuals.

Main Results:

• 713 trauma cases presented to the emergency department; 248 required hospital admission.
• Road traffic accidents (60%) and injuries within the Holy Haram (15%) were primary causes.
• Limb fractures constituted 53% of trauma admissions; 2 deaths occurred within 48 hours.

Conclusions:

• Trauma during Hajj is a significant surgical concern requiring enhanced attention.
• Orthopedic and neurosurgical conditions are the most prevalent surgical emergencies during Hajj.
• Effective trauma management protocols are essential for the Hajj environment.