May 13, 2009

The Need to Promote Lifesaving Training

As a nation we seem to be living from tragedy to tragedy relating to accidents whether man made or as a result of natural disasters, of which we appear to have a fair share. We have to suffer the consequences of accidents at swimming pools, rivers and lakes, on beaches, railways and roads or those involving air travel and aircraft. In the absence of any national para-medical organization in the country, a general lack of “First Aid” awareness and due to the callous attitude of a people, many accident victims die when they should have lived. They would live if they receive timely first aid and professional medical assistance. The police harassment of those, who try and assist, does not help either.

There is no system in the country that ensures our safety. Other societies have it. Does life in India have to be so cheap? We may be a billion but we deserve better. The Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India), is trying to fill the avoid and promote awareness in lifesaving. It started with swimming pools but soon extended its training in Road Safety which is part of the Society’s Programmes, in which it setup first aid posts along roads and trains 30 to 40 locals in First Aid. It is hoped that these first aiders will react to accidents in their vicinity with prompt assistance that can make the difference between life and death. We also advise the young on rules of the road and safe driving practices.