Training has been provided by Maruti Suzuki India to 8,500 individuals, mostly commercial drivers. Through a trial programme, the training was carried out in collaboration with the International Road Federation (IRF) and AIIMS, one of the top medical facilities in the nation.
After completing the training, they would be prepared to help victims of traffic accidents within the crucial “golden hour” of the occurrence. The first hour following an event during which medical intervention can lower mortality is known as the “golden hour.”
The First Responder Training Programme aims to teach drivers vital life-saving skills such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), managing bleeding, removing helmets correctly, using splints and slings, and securely transporting casualties. In addition, participants are taught how to quickly activate emergency response systems. According to the company’s news release, these abilities can increase survival chances, particularly in the initial hour following an injury.
At its Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR), Maruti Suzuki collaborated with AIIMS and IRF to offer commercial drivers training in trauma treatment and first aid. The pilot project was implemented at IDTR locations in Delhi, Bihar, and Haryana.
The company highlighted that the participants received comprehensive training in emergency care in collaboration with Jai Prakash Narayan-AIIMS Trauma Centre, Delhi.
Speaking on trauma care, Amit Gupta, Professor of Trauma Surgery and Critical Care, JPN Apex Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, said, “In the absence of robust trauma care systems, there is an urgent need to train bystanders in basic trauma and first aid. As trauma is time-sensitive, the training of bystanders, who are the real first responders to any road accident, can go a long way towards reducing the mortality and morbidity following road traffic crashes. Usually, this group of bystanders includes drivers of commercial vehicles. To standardise first-aid modules and training, WHO, along with experts from AIIMS and other major institutions in the country, have devised a first-aid course for the bystanders. We used these modules for training at Maruti Suzuki IDTRs, which has gotten a lot of positive feedback from the stakeholders.”
Elaborating on the initiative Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Maruti Suzuki focuses on road safety through the 4Es: Vehicle Engineering for safer cars, Education on traffic rules via IDTRs, Evaluation through automatic driving test tracks to have competent drivers on the road, and Enforcement to promote safe driving behaviour using traffic safety management systems. Recognising the importance of post-accident care, the 5th E, Emergency care, becomes vital. The company aims to train drivers to become effective first responders during the ‘golden hour’ after accidents. This training initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3. We are thankful to AIIMS, the premier hospital in the country for bringing the latest medical expertise for this course.”
Bharti added, “Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) or pedestrians, bicyclists and two-wheelers constituted 66.9% of road accident fatalities in 20221. Our customised programme provides practical hands-on life-saving interventions to enable drivers to handle trauma and injuries. This could prove effective in reducing road accident fatalities, particularly of VRUs under the Good Samaritan Law.”