Maruti Suzuki India Partners with AIIMS and IRF to Train 8,500 Commercial Drivers

Key Highlights: 
•    Maruti Suzuki India partnered with AIIMS and IRF to train 8,500 commercial drivers in life-saving techniques.
•    Training covered CPR, bleeding control, helmet removal, and emergency response activation.
•    Conducted at Maruti Suzuki's IDTRs in Haryana, Delhi, and Bihar.
•    Initiative received positive feedback and aligned with road safety goals.
•    Aims to reduce fatalities, particularly among vulnerable road users.

Maruti Suzuki India provided training to 8,500 drivers, mainly commercial drivers. A pilot program was organised in partnership with AIIMS and the International Road Federation (IRF) to provide training. AIIMS is one of the country's best medical institutes.

Maruti Suzuki collaborated with AIIMS and IRF to offer first aid and trauma treatment training to commercial drivers at its Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR). The program took place at IDTRs in Haryana, Delhi, and Bihar.

First Responder Training Programme aims to teach drivers important life-saving methods such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control, proper helmet removal, splint and sling application, and safe victim movement. Participants also learn how to activate emergency response systems quickly. As per the company's news release, these skills can increase survival rates, particularly in the first hour following an injury.

The training provided them with practical knowledge which is essential to assist road accident victims during the “golden hour” of a traffic incident. The term "golden hour" refers to the first hour after an accident. In golden hour medical intervention can significantly reduce mortality.

Dr. Amit Gupta, Professor of Trauma Surgery and Critical Care, JPN Apex Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, stated, "In the absence of strong trauma care systems, there is an urgent need to train bystanders in basic trauma and first aid. Because trauma is time-sensitive, training bystanders, who are the true first responders to each road accident, can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity. This category of bystanders typically includes commercial vehicle drivers. To standardise first-aid modules and training, WHO, in collaboration with specialists from AIIMS and other key institutions in the country, developed a first-aid course for bystanders. We used these modules for training at Maruti Suzuki IDTRs and had a lot of great feedback from stakeholders."

Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India, stated that "Maruti Suzuki focuses on road safety through the 4Es: vehicle engineering for safer cars, IDTRs provide traffic rule education, automatic driving test tracks evaluate drivers' competence, and traffic safety management systems enforce safe driving behaviour. Recognizing the significance of post-accident care, the fifth E, Emergency care, becomes critical. The organisation wants to train drivers to be good first responders within the 'golden hour' after an accident. This training initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal. We thank AIIMS, the country's leading hospital, for providing the most up-to-date medical expertise for this training."

"Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), or pedestrians, bikers, and two-wheelers, accounted for 66.9% of road accident fatalities in 2022. Our customised programme provides practical hands-on life- saving interventions to enable drivers to handle trauma and injuries. This could be beneficial in lowering road accident death rates, particularly among VRUs under the Good Samaritan Law," Rahul Bharti added.

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CMV360 Says

This initiative by Maruti Suzuki, AIIMS, and the International Road Federation is a big step towards road safety. By training commercial drivers to be first responders and equipping them with essential life-saving skills, the initiative directly addresses the crucial "golden hour" after accidents. 

With the potential to significantly reduce road accident fatalities, this partnership highlights the importance of proactive measures in ensuring safer roads for all.