Emergency radiologists are on the front line of patient care 24/7/365. When disaster strikes and multiple casualties are brought to hospital radiologists provide the imaging services and diagnostic imaging.

“Because emergencies can happen day or night, emergency radiologists are vital in the timely diagnosis and management of emergency patients using X-rays and scan to image the injured patient,” says Dr Richard Tuft of the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA).

Radiology saves lives

Medical imaging is one of the top 10 medical advances of the past 1000 years, having produced major life-saving advances over the past century. “The lives of thousands have been saved by the many contributions of emergency radiologists, and that’s why - on 8 November, we celebrate the International Day of Radiology (IDoR 2017),” says Dr Tuft.  This year the day is dedicated to the essential role that radiologists play in emergency situations, increasing the quality of care and treatment of patients, and in South Africa is shared with The Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA) with the theme "we care about your safety."

While IDOR commemorates the 122nd anniversary of the X-ray, in contrast, emergency radiology is quite young as a sub-specialty within the imaging field, but it has gained enormous significance in recent years. Emergencies constitute a substantial portion of radiological cases and require efficient, effective handling with correct diagnoses and decisions handled as quickly as possible. With recent world events, mass-casualty event and on-call rotation for terrorist attacks are now part of the set-up of some of the larger radiology teams in the world’s major cities.

In the majority of hospitals today, radiologists are integral members of the emergency unit, and are in charge of sequencing, prioritisation and management of imaging services. Wherever this is the case, the outcome is impressive; not only is trauma imaging improved, with resulting lower morbidity and mortality, but all emergency patients benefit from the closer relationship between radiologists and the emergency department team.

“Imaging scans have virtually eliminated exploratory surgeries, reduced unnecessary hospital admissions and often shortened hospital stays,” explains Dr Tuft.  “Radiology and the new technology that has been developed around it has allowed medical practitioners all over the world to better care for their patients and detect disease early - leading to more successful treatment.

Medical imaging is one of the most exciting and progressive disciplines in healthcare and a field of great activity in terms of technological and biological research. X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound and numerous other medical imaging technologies, as well as the eye-catching images associated with them, are known to many people, but the exact purpose and value of these services is not widely understood.  We hope to alert the world to the stunning medical, scientific and even artistic possibilities of medical imaging, the essential role of the radiologist as a part of the healthcare team in countless medical scenarios, and the high educational and professional standards required of all staff working in medical imaging.

While we set aside one day to call attention to radiology advances, it’s important to note that radiology makes a world of difference every day. “We are delighted to be part of this international initiative which marks the tremendous advances in patient care made possible by medical imaging and radiation therapy,” says Dr Tuft.  “We believe that radiology plays a crucial role in the medical industry and is often an undervalued profession. IDoR will give radiology the extra boost and presence it needs to entrench this exceptionally important process and profession in the healthcare sector.”

About IDoR

In 2017, the sixth annual International Day of Radiology celebrates not only past achievements but also the ongoing radiological research that is working toward new technological advances. Emergency radiologists deliver front-line value-based imaging for all patients in the emergency room, contribute to the care of critically ill and injured patients and serve as consultants and provide valuable feedback on imaging options for quality patient care. The RSSA joins more than 150 radiology-related professional societies from around the globe taking part in this celebration of radiology, sponsored by the American College of Radiology (ACR), European Society of Radiology (ESR) and Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).  Numerous activities to celebrate are planned by societies, institutions and individuals working in the field of imaging all over the world.

For social media, visit the International Day of Radiology Facebook page, IDOR2017.comand RadiologyInfo.org websites, and follow #IDoR2017 on Twitter.                            

For more information about the Radiological Society of South Africa, visit www.rssa.co.za.