LUCKNOW, Sept. 13 -- If accident victims receive timely treatment, around 80% of lives could be saved. However, currently, only 40 to 45% of these victims are saved in Uttar Pradesh as delay in treatment proves fatal for the rest. Dr Sameer Mishra from the trauma surgery department at the King George's Medical University (KGMU) shared this information while addressing the second day of the 'Conclave of Medical Emergencies and Trauma (COMET-2026)' at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in Lucknow on Saturday. Dr Mishra emphasised that it is essential to provide immediate first aid followed by specialised care to the critically injured. Often, lack of necessary resources and trained staff at district hospitals delays referral of patients to higher medical institutions. Trauma care systems in the districts need to be further strengthened to save lives, he added. Dr Lokendra Gupta, national president of the Society of Acute Care, Trauma and Emergency Medicine, said along with providing superior treatment, round-the-clock monitoring of the injured is vital. It allows timely detection of changes in their condition, enabling immediate intervention. Accident-related fatalities could be significantly reduced by ensuring the availability of trauma specialists, trained paramedics, essential equipment, and efficient referral systems in the districts. Amit Kumar Ghosh, additional chief secretary, medical education, who inaugurated the workshop, stressed the need for better coordination between the accident site and the hospital, presence of trained healthcare workers and adherence to established treatment protocols. Trauma and emergency care services across the state are being continuously strengthened, he said. Ghosh said the benefits of the 'Golden Hour' must extend to rural areas too. Dr Subroto Das, founder of the Lifeline Foundation, underscored the need to strengthen pre-hospital and highway trauma care. Dr Pinky Jowel, director, National Health Mission, was also present at the event. On the occasion, Dr Yash Javeri, Dr Jamshed Nayar and Dr Amalendu Yadav were presented with the 'Legacy of Emergency Care' award....