Odisha to train 30,000 volunteers as first responders to road accidents

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the “Rakshak” road safety initiative on Wednesday. The programme aims to train 30,000 volunteers to act quickly in the event of a road accident.

As part of this project, the State Transportation Department will train 30,000 volunteers as first responders to road accidents over a 30-week period via 300 expert trainers in all 30 districts of the state.

Patnaik stated during his address, “Road accidents are not just the loss of one person or one family. This is the loss of society. So we all need to work together to prevent road mishaps.”

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“So with a little help, a lot of lives can be saved and many families can be saved from misery,” he explained.

Patnaik also stated that the first hour following the accident is critical. “If accident victims get prompt medical care within the 48 hours of the accident, then we can save a lot of lives,” he added.

Also, he said that the State government has established a fund of Rs 147 crore to treat road accident victims, and a provision has been made to reward individuals who rescue road accident victims with a reward of Rs 2,000.