Mishandling - cause of high death rate

The 37 Military Hospital says mishandling of victims of the May 9 Stadium disaster might have contributed to the high death rate recorded. A hospital source told the Ghana News Agency that "it was highly possible some of the dead might have been in comma initially at the stadium but ignorantly collected as dead."

The source said accident victims need special attention and handling at the scene. For example how they are conveyed to hospital and even how to place them in the vehicle would either worsen the condition or aid the victim.

The source said most of the 'Good Samaritans' who attempted to assist the victims panicked at the mere sight of the large motionless bodies, bloodstained victims and those crying for help. "Under such circumstances people with little or no medical knowledge ignorantly take actions which might not be the best option medically."

The source suggested an intensive public education on administering basic first aid and handling of disaster victims through the media and in schools. The source appealed to governmental and non-governmental organizations to organize workshops and seminars on disaster management and handling of accident victims.

Meanwhile Col. Joseph. Ayettey, Commanding Officer of the Hospital said nine of the victims are still on admission while four of the dead have not been identified.

He appealed to families whose relatives have still not returned home after the incident to contact the hospital authorities for identification. Col. Ayettey said two weeks after the disaster people are still reporting for medical treatment claiming to be victims.

The Hospital's Administration Officer Lt Col Sam Aninkora said the hospital has bagged 330.4 million cedis in cash and cheques from individuals and organizations in connection with the tragedy.

The administrator of the Ridge Hospital, Dr Eric Asamoah said there are only two persons on admission out of the 23 injured from the tragedy.