Fortis signs MoU with University of Utah

To structure the Department of Emergency Medicine for better delivery of Pre-Hospital & Emergency care in India

Fortis Healthcare Ltd, India’s fastest growing healthcare service provider has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Utah, for specialised care in Emergency Medicine. As part of the agreement, Fortis and Utah University will develop courses for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Fellowship programmes for Emergency Physicians (EPs).

After signing the MoU, Mr. Bhavdeep Singh, CEO, Fortis Healthcare Ltd said, “Structured training programmes with the University of Utah will help Fortis improve Pre-Hospital and Emergency care across our hospital network. The training will help us set protocols and provide world-class care in an emergency.”

A well-equipped department of Emergency Medicine, supported by trained EMTs is critical to a hospital. EMTs have expertise in providing specialised Pre-hospital and Emergency care. Their role is vital while transporting a patient to hospital. The fellowship programme will also train emergency physicians in cognitive and administrative skills, for leadership roles in the development of emergency medical programmes.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Erik D. Barton, Chief, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah said, “This is an exciting partnership between the University and Fortis Healthcare. We feel that this partnership will help Fortis achieve a successful training program for emergency medicine providers and medical technicians, and improve the overall quality of medical care for the citizens of India!”

Pre–hospital care can dramatically reduce mortality. Statistics reveal that, in India, every 12 minutes one person dies in a road mishap and 10 times that number get injured. Of those injured, 7% to 10 % are critically injured and 20% to 30% seriously injured, with 30% of the injured becoming disabled for life. If pre-hospital care is provided within the first hour, 50% of lives can be saved and another 30% lives would be saved if victims were transferred to tertiary care. Of all victims who die in road accidents, 57% die in the first few minutes after the crash, before the arrival of the emergency services.