/nginx/o/2011/11/08/824952t1ha129.jpg)
In order to coordinate policy on prevention of injuries and deaths by these, a working group was instituted. Yet another legalese-sounding committee? Not this time. In reality, this is an extremely serious set of problems that the society will need to tackle if – as a nation – we wish to live a live healthier and happier.
Yesterday, the report by said group landed on governmental table. In it, we read that Estonia is a country of very high rate of deaths by injury – in 2013, a total of 958 such deaths occurred. This is twice the EU average. As revealed by the report led by National Institute for Health Development (TAI) director Maris Jesse, 147,790 individuals were in that year treated for injuries, Health Insurance Fund thus paying up €31.8m. If on the best states level, the sum might be lower twice or thrice – as always, positive examples are to be found in the neighbouring Nordics, as well as Holland.
Where, then, lie our shortcomings? Prevention is happening, and on the face of it rather diverse. True, but a detailed overview says that – alas! – the various kinds of injuries aren’t covered by such preventive measures. Such as deaths by falling and suicides, the percentage of which is very high. In these areas, no one is clearly responsible when it comes to prevention. We are masters at producing universal documents in our offices, but these often lack the definite touch.
To think that working groups like this is just hot air is erroneous. On the contrary, the analysis can lead to conclusions and decisions – potentially saving hundreds of lives. To cite a success: we do have less traffic deaths now, definitely a result of the targeted activities by preventive department at Road Administration. In it, they are in cooperation with various agencies and use their international connections, while the activities are directed towards the narrower target groups – separately addressing children, the elderly etc.
As pointed out by alcohol policy green book (2014), alcohol intoxication was the main reason for permanent of life-threatening injuries – of the dead by injuries, among age group 18–64, 65 percent were drunk during the fatal incident. The percentage of alcohol related fatal injuries is especially high among those in their best working years. The TAI report does also clearly reveal the direct link between overuse of alcohol and deaths by injury. Again – among other things – they underline the need for comprehensive solutions and not the standalone politically populist decisions (in certain local governments).
The tragic injuries are not inevitable. Often, these could be prevented by being aware. The analysis is completed, the problems pointed out. Time for action!