558 Empowering first responders for road safety: good samaritan and emergency first response training in Odisha, India

Background In Odisha, India, approximately 6,000 lives are lost each year to road crashes. Recognizing the potential to save lives during the critical "golden hour" post-trauma, the Forum for Prevention of Road Accidents initiated the Good Samaritan and Emergency First Response Training Programme. Objective The program aimed to train first responders in adhering to the Good Samaritan law and equip them with emergency response skills, including first aid techniques such as CPR and Bleeding Control Methods. The focus was on the "golden hour" following road accidents. Programme Description FPRA organized the "Good Samaritan and Emergency First Response Training." Participants, including roadside shopkeepers, vendors, community volunteers, school teachers, and students, were selected. Technical sessions covered road safety issues, the Good Samaritan Law, and casualty management. Practical sessions involved CPR, bleeding control methods, fracture management, and emergency preparedness drills. Resource persons were drawn from Red Cross, St. Johan Ambulance, State Police, and the Traffic Department. Outcomes and Learnings The training equipped participants with knowledge on the Good Samaritan Law, first aid skills, and emergency response techniques. A mock drill demonstrated their enhanced preparedness in managing accident scenarios. Around 80 individuals acted as well-trained first responders, significantly contributing to Odisha's road safety initiatives. Implications This program serves as a pioneering initiative in Odisha, offering a replicable model for other regions. The success of this program has prompted the Odisha government to scale up Project Rakshak, aiming to empower 30000 first responders. The program's adaptability and positive outcomes suggest its potential application in other regions grappling with similar road safety challenges. The model's expansion under Project Rakshak showcases its relevance and effectiveness in addressing the critical "golden hour" for road crash victims. Conclusions The Good Samaritan and Emergency First Response Training successfully addressed the critical gap in bystander response to road accidents in Odisha. By fostering collaboration between community members, law enforcement, and transport authorities, this initiative lays the foundation for future projects dedicated to enhancing road safety and saving lives.