Maruti Suzuki, AIIMS, IRF Train 8500 Commercial Drivers In Road Safety

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has teamed up with AIIMS, India's premiere medical institution, and the International Road Federation (IRF) to offer first aid and trauma care training to commercial drivers at the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR). In a pilot program spanning across Haryana, Delhi, and Bihar, approximately 8,500 primarily commercial drivers have received comprehensive training in emergency care. This initiative, in collaboration with the Jai Prakash Narayan-AIIMS Trauma Centre in Delhi, aims to equip drivers with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to aid road accident victims during the critical "golden hour," where timely medical intervention significantly enhances survival chances.

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Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) or Pedestrians, Bicyclists and 2-wheelers constituted 66.9% of road accident fatalities in 20221. Our customized 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.”

However, the program also sheds light on India's urgent need for a more robust first responder system, particularly when compared to countries like China and the US, where such systems are more mature. In North America, notably the United States and Canada, well-established emergency response infrastructure, including dedicated ambulance services, fire departments, and police departments, forms the backbone of first responder services.

These responders undergo rigorous training programs accredited by national or state-level bodies, covering a wide array of skills such as CPR, first aid, trauma care, and disaster response. Additionally, community engagement programs like Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) empower civilians to support professional responders during emergencies, reflecting a holistic approach to emergency preparedness.

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In contrast, India faces significant challenges in its emergency response systems, characterised by inadequate infrastructure and resources. Training standards for first responders vary widely, with some regions lacking structured training programs altogether. This variability results in disparities in skill levels among responders, highlighting the need for standard training protocols and increased investment in emergency response infrastructure. While efforts are underway to address these challenges, there remains a pressing need for greater governmental support and policy frameworks to bolster India's first responder capabilities and improve overall road safety outcomes.