New Delhi, April 30, 2024: Strengthening its road safety initiatives, Maruti Suzuki India Limited in collaboration with India’s premier medical institute AIIMS and International Road Federation (IRF) has trained 8,500 people, primarily commercial drivers, in first aid and trauma care through a pilot programme.
These drivers were trained at Maruti Suzuki's Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) in Haryana, Delhi and Bihar.
Participants received comprehensive training in emergency care in collaboration with Jai Prakash Narayan-AIIMS Trauma Centre, Delhi. The training equips them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to assist road accident victims during the “golden hour” in an event of a road incident. Golden hour after an accident refers to the first hour after an accident during which medical intervention can reduce mortality.
Speaking on trauma care, Dr 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 to reduce the mortality and morbidity following road traffic crashes."
"Usually, this group of bystanders includes drivers of commercial vehicles. To standardize first-aid modules and training, WHO along with the experts from AIIMS and other major institutions of the country have devised a first-aid course for the by-standers. We used these modules for training at Maruti Suzuki IDTRs which has got a lot of positive feedback from the stakeholders,” he said.
The First Responder Training Programme is designed to train drivers in critical life-saving techniques like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), controlling bleeding, correct way of helmet removal, use of splint & sling and moving victims safely. Participants also learn to promptly activate emergency response systems. These skills can improve survival rates, especially in the first hour after an accident.
Elaborating on the initiative, Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, 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,” he said.
Noting that vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) or Pedestrians, Bicyclists and 2-Wheelers constituted 66.9% of road accident fatalities in 20221, Bharti said, "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.”
