Emergency medicine – the branch that deals with undifferentiated, often severe, conditions requiring immediate care – can saves lives after trauma. Studies indicate that expedient medical care, especially in severe cases, can significantly reduce fatalities. These services, however, are lacking in Ethiopia, where patients may wait more than 24 hours to receive treatment in an emergency room. EBR’s adjunct staff writer Meseret Mamo spoke with health care practitioners and government officials to learn more about what’s being done to develop the country’s emergency care infrastructure.