Team work is key to our success, says King’s surgeon

02 March 2022 - King's Trauma Surgeon Aswinkumar Vasireddy features in Channel 4 trauma documentary, broadcast at 9pm from Monday 28 February to Thursday 3 March

Consultant Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon Mr Aswinkumar (Ash) Vasireddy has praised colleagues at King’s Major Trauma Centre for their relentless efforts to support patients – as a new documentary series on Channel 4 provides a candid look inside the life-saving centre.

In the four-part series Emergency, airing at 9pm this week, Mr Vasireddy – who specialises in the management of complex fractures – can be seen treating King’s patient Leyton.

Physical trauma – such as gunshot wounds, stabbings and injuries from road traffic accidents – is one of the leading causes of death and disability throughout the world.

Mr Vasireddy said: “Trauma can affect anyone and often split-second decisions, like crossing the road at the wrong moment, can have life-changing consequences for patients and their loved ones.

“Treating our patients – particularly those who have sustained life-threatening injures – and managing their care, is very much a team effort. In our trauma centre, you will find professionals from multiple disciplines coming together to achieve a common goal.

He added: “Acting quickly and working together can often ensure the patient has a good chance to recover, rehabilitate and return to their family and friends.

Reflecting on the documentary series, Mr Ash Vasireddy said: “It is a fantastic series that highlights the important role all trauma care specialists play in ensuring patients can be reunited with their loved ones. I certainly feel a sense of pride when I discuss role that we play, and I hope the series opens up more conversations about our work.”

Alongside his role at King’s, Mr Vasireddy also works as a Prehospital Care Consultant with the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) and is, in fact, the only consultant at the trust specialising in Orthopaedic Surgery & Prehospital Care.

Mr Vasireddy also manages the Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Programme at King’s and, alongside colleagues, mentors the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons as they develop the skills and confidence to manage complex trauma cases.