Maruti Suzuki trains 8,500 commercial drivers in road safety with AIIMS and IRF

Maruti Suzuki India conducted training sessions for 8,500 people—primarily commercial drivers. The training was conducted in partnership with AIIMS, one of the country's premier medical institutes, and the International Road Federation (IRF), through a pilot programme.

The training equips them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to assist road accident victims during the “golden hour” in the event of a road incident. The golden hour after an accident refers to the first hour after an accident during which medical intervention can reduce mortality.
The First Responder Training Programme is designed to train drivers in critical life-saving techniques like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), controlling bleeding, the correct way to remove a helmet, the use of splint and 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, the company said in a press statement.
Maruti Suzuki partnered with AIIMS and IRF to provide first aid and trauma care training to commercial drivers at its Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR). The pilot initiative took place at IDTR in Haryana, Delhi, and Bihar.

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, 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 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 by-standers. 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.”