What is the problem?
Road traffic injuries cause over 1.2 million deaths globally each year, with most occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Yet, most research on how to care for people after road crashes has been based on high-income countries, which often face very different challenges. This means that the evidence may not apply well to LMICs like South Africa.
What did we do?
We worked with a wide range of people involved in road crash responses—including ambulance staff, fire services, police, community members, and researchers—to agree on the most important research questions for improving care after road crashes in the Western Cape.
We followed a three-step process:
- Literature review – to identify existing evidence gaps.
- Stakeholder workshop – where participants discussed and refined research questions.
- Scoring exercise – where participants rated the importance of each question.
What did we find?
Eight broad research areas were identified, with EMS safety (protecting ambulance workers) rated as the top priority. Other important themes included communication between services, public awareness and prevention, and improving transport to hospital.
The highest-rated research question asked what basic skills and equipment first responders (such as police or bystanders) need to give immediate help after a crash. Technology—such as better communication tools—was seen as important across many areas.
Why does this matter?
This is the first time a study like this has been done in South Africa. It offers a clear, locally relevant roadmap for future research that addresses real-world problems faced by emergency responders and communities. The priorities identified will help guide funding, training, and policymaking, with the aim of saving lives and improving recovery after road crashes.
Authors
Naseef Abdullah, Tim Nutbeam, Colleen Saunders, Craig Wylie, Nigel Lang, Willem Stassen
University of Cape Town / IMPACT / Devon Air Ambulance
