He noted that over the past five years, there has been a steady increase in the number of cases reported. The main factors are high speed of movement and disregard for safety rules.
“Injuries are sustained by both adults and children, as well as elderly people. Often, scooter users do not wear helmets and do not use knee and elbow protection. Sometimes, after a collision, they do not stop to assist the injured. Many of the injured do not realize the seriousness of their injuries and do not seek medical help immediately, which can lead to their condition worsening after a few hours or the next day,” Makhmadiev said.
Among the most common injuries, he highlighted:
- fractures;
- bruises;
- traumatic brain injuries.
Injuries in young children are particularly dangerous, as they can damage growth areas of the bones. In people over 50, the risk of fractures increases due to osteoporosis, which makes bones more fragile, and even a minor fall can lead to serious injuries.
“Injuries from scooters represent not only a medical but also a socio-economic problem, as treatment requires time and financial costs, and the injured may temporarily or permanently lose their ability to work. It is necessary to strengthen control over compliance with road rules,” he added.
Makhmadiev also reminded that there is a round-the-clock city trauma center for adults in Bishkek, a children's trauma center based at the City Clinical Children's Hospital of Emergency Medical Care, as well as the Clinical Emergency Hospital and the Emergency Traumatology Department of the National Hospital.
