Local shopkeepers may be roped in for first support to mishap victims

In a bid to save more lives, the GVK-EMRI group that runs 108 and 102 ambulance services has proposed to provide basic life support training to local shopkeepers across the state so as to provide timely help to accident victims before an ambulance arrives.

The training, which has already been imparted in Gujarat, would increase chances of a road accident victim’s survival. Local shopkeepers, including paan walahs, press walahs or mechanics, are often the first to be present on the spot and can work as a first responder to the victim. “The sooner the victim gets treatment the higher the chances are of survival. So if there is someone who could look after the victim in correct medical manner before our ambulances reach the spot, it will be a great help,” said Sanjay Khosla, COO of GVK EMRI group, which provides free ambulance services under government-run helplines in 17 states and union territories.

As per statistics, an ambulance should reach an accident spot in 20 minutes in city limits and in rural areas within 30 minutes. However, there are several factors that delay timely arrival such as traffic congestion, bad roads, two accidents in the same area and delay at hospital where the first patient is admitted among others. Sample this. If an accident takes place on a road between Polytechnic and Lohia Park, a local shopkeeper who has been trained in basic life support will also get a call (from GVK-EMRI in case of need) along with the ambulance. This person will help stabilise the victim and keep him in correct posture so that no further internal injury is caused to the body by the time an ambulance reaches the spot.

This knowledge is required as locals who often run to help are ignorant about the postures that a victim of road traffic accident should be kept in to avoid further internal injury, especially when neck or abdomen injury is involved. As per the proposal with the state government, the GVKEMRI will train shopkeepers who will be selected area wise on the basis of number of accidents taking place. So if some areas have more number of accidents then more people will be trained there. “The number of these first responders will be decided once we get approval of the state government,” said Ajai Yadav, spokesperson, GVK EMRI.

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