A 29-year-old was brought to the Emergency Department gasping for breath. The Emergency team acted immediately. Resuscitation was done. Every possible effort was made.
But it was too late.
The patient had a several traumatic brain injury
Outside the emergency room, a family waited—confused, terrified, and hopeful. Within hours, their world collapsed. No words can describe that pain.
This was not just a medical emergency. This was a preventable tragedy.
Why Helmets Matter
Helmets are not just accessories. They are life-saving medical devices. A helmet:
- Protects the brain from severe injury during accidents
- Reduces the risk of brain death and permanent disability
- Turns what could be a fatal crash into a survivable one
The brain has no second chance. Once damaged beyond recovery, even the best hospitals and doctors can only do so much.
“It’s Just a Short Ride” — Until It Isn’t
Many people skip helmets because:
- “I’m only going a short distance”
- “I ride carefully”
- “It’s uncomfortable”
- “Nothing will happen to me”
Emergency departments see the result of these thoughts every day.
Accidents don’t send warnings. They happen in seconds—and they don’t care about age, experience, or confidence.
A Message to the Public
Wearing a helmet is not about fear. It’s about responsibility.
Responsibility to:
- Yourself
- Your parents
- Your partner
- Your children
- The people who will sit outside an emergency room praying for a miracle
No family should have to hear the words “brain dead” because of something so easily preventable.
Choose Life. Wear a Helmet.
One helmet. One decision. One life saved.
Let’s not wait for another family to learn this lesson the hardest way.
Dr. Hima Bindu Pallanti
MD, MEM, MRCEM
Consultant – Consultant Emergency Department
