Trauma Care Crisis: Why Millions in LMICs Fail to Reach Hospitals in Time

Injury-related deaths and disabilities are rising sharply in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A new study reveals that more than half of seriously injured patients fail to reach proper medical care within the critical first hour after injury. Many rely on informal transport instead of ambulances, yet systemic delays persist even when emergency services are used.

Across surveyed LMICs, only 19% of patients recognise delays in accessing trauma care. However, data shows that 34% of severely injured individuals take over two hours to reach a suitable healthcare facility. Many first visit under-equipped primary care centres, losing precious time before transfer to better-resourced hospitals.

The problem is worse for vulnerable groups. Older patients, those with less education, and economically disadvantaged individuals face the longest delays. Even when ambulances are available, weak pre-hospital systems, poor training, and inefficiencies slow response times. In one key finding, **none of the 19 hospitals surveyed** had the specialised infrastructure needed to treat severe injuries within the first 60 minutes. This gap highlights a broader crisis in trauma care capacity. Technology offers some hope. Tools like the *912Rwanda* software can improve ambulance routing and hospital selection in real time. Such innovations could cut transport delays and help more patients reach care faster.

The study underscores a stark reality: many LMICs lack the systems to deliver timely trauma care. Without intervention, delays will keep costing lives—especially among the most vulnerable. Better training, stronger infrastructure, and smarter logistics could turn the tide for seriously injured patients.