Road Rescue Riders Programme 97/99

From a survey carried out regarding the high number of road accidents in the country, K. Bala noticed that most of the on-lookers lacked knowledge and skill in helping the accident victim.

There are some who are afraid to help for fear they may be held responsible should things go wrong, while there are some who could not be bothered.

K. Bala, who was himself a hit-and-run victim, initiated the Road Rescuers Riders Programme.  This 4-hour programme is targeted mainly at motorcyclists as they are usually the first to appear at the scene but yet do nothing to help.

The participants are taught how to apply first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques.  They are also taught how to use simple items found on the victim to be used as first-aid e.g. a T-shirt that can be used as a sling to support a broken arm, a pair of sneakers can be used to support an injured neck and an umbrella can be used as a support for a broken leg.

At the end of the training session, participants are given a certificate and an identification document so that they can be identified as the ones who have undergone some basic training in road rescue. This training session is offered free to the public as a community service.