Maharashtra: Toll staff, villagers around highways to be trained as first responders for accidents

Photo for representational purpose

Around 1,000 villagers, restaurant staffers and petrol pump employees living or working around state and national highways in Maharashtra will soon be trained to save lives as they are usually the first responders after a road crash.

They will be trained under the initiative, ‘Mrityunjay Doot', by the Maharashtra Highway Police which will start in March. Volunteers will be trained to administer first-aid, safely carry an accident victim, and call for an ambulance or get to a hospital, stated a report in The Times of India.

The objective is to ensure medical aid for the victims within the ‘golden hour', which can increase chances of survival.

With 11,452 fatalities in 2020, Maharashtra was one of three states with the highest number of road deaths, state transport minister Anil Parab had said while launching the Road Safety Month last month. Parab added that road safety drives should not be restricted to a fortnight or a month, and instead be made a permanent feature.

"When a crash occurs on a highway, commuters rarely stop to help. It's usually residents from nearby villages, employees of dhabas, or toll naka operators that come forward. It's essential for these first responders to know how to hold or lift a critically injured victim so as not to cause permanent damage. They will be trained by health officials who along with police," said additional director general (state traffic) B K Upadhyaya.

Volunteers will be given first-aid kits, stretchers and contact numbers for ambulance services. They will be trained to stop bleeding and use everyday items, such as dupattas for bandages if medical equipment is not available.

"In the past, there have been instances where witnesses hesitated to help road accident victims as they believed they would be harassed by the police later. We are assuring all volunteers that they needn't share personal details at the hospital and can leave after bringing the victim in," added Upadhyaya.

Tamil Nadu, which had a high number of road fatalities earlier, managed to reduce the number by half by ensuring victims got medical aid within the ‘golden hour'.

"Local government bodies and hospitals closest to highways will be involved in the ‘Mrityunjay Doot' initiative. No victim will be turned away," said a senior official.

The programme will be reviewed every three months. Volunteers doing exceptional work will be recommended for a reward instituted by the Ministry of Transport and Highways.

Among the areas with highest road deaths in Maharashtra are Nashik Rural, Ahmednagar and Pune Rural.