Odisha Government Approves Rs 2.4 Crore to Strengthen Fire Service's Road Accident Response
The Odisha government has sanctioned a significant sum of Rs 2.4 crore for the Odisha Fire and Emergency Service (OFES) to bolster its efforts in reducing fatalities from road accidents across the state. This financial allocation aims to enhance the emergency response capabilities of firefighters, who often serve as first responders at accident scenes.
Breakdown of Funding for Training and Equipment
In a recent directive, outgoing transport secretary Usha Padhee communicated the approval to OFES director general Sudhanshu Sarangi. The funding is divided into two key components: Rs 40 lakh has been earmarked for comprehensive first-aid training programs for firefighters at medical institutes, while Rs 2 crore will be utilized to procure advanced medical kits for emergency rescue vehicles. These kits are crucial for providing timely treatment to accident victims during the critical "golden hour"—the period immediately after an injury when medical intervention is most effective.
Padhee emphasized that all procurement and training activities must adhere to established procedures, with funds being released only upon completion of these processes. Additionally, she instructed OFES to submit monthly reports detailing the assistance provided to accident victims, ensuring accountability and transparency in the utilization of resources.
Advanced Lifesaving Training for Firefighters
Director General Sudhanshu Sarangi highlighted that the training programs will equip firefighters with advanced lifesaving skills. This includes specialized techniques for handling spinal and head injuries, stabilizing patients before hospital transfer, safely managing unconscious individuals, and effectively administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Such training is expected to significantly improve on-site medical care, potentially saving more lives in emergency situations.
Inspector General Uma Shankar Dash of OFES noted that regular mock drills and simulation exercises will further enhance the rescue capabilities of fire personnel. "Firefighters act as first responders during emergencies. Our goal is to upgrade the skills of 2,000 personnel within a year, ensuring that at least two trained responders are available at every fire station across Odisha," Dash stated. This initiative aims to create a more robust and prepared emergency response network throughout the state.
Current Resources and Past Performance
The fire directorate is already equipped with a range of tools to handle accident-related emergencies. Current assets include 69 hydraulic tools, 10 advanced rescue tenders, 10 spine board stretchers with head immobilizers, 30 airlifting bags with cylinders, 13 plasma-cutting vehicles, and 8 automated external defibrillator (AED) machines. Additionally, 25 multi-purpose quick response vehicles are fitted with stretchers and first-aid kits, enhancing mobility and immediate care provision.
Data from OFES underscores the importance of these enhancements. In 2023, the service attended 8,172 road accident calls, successfully saving 8,742 lives. For 2024, up to the reporting period, OFES responded to 4,936 calls and saved 5,833 lives, demonstrating its critical role in emergency response and the potential impact of the new funding on further improving these outcomes.
This strategic investment by the Odisha government reflects a proactive approach to public safety, aiming to reduce road accident fatalities through enhanced training and equipment for frontline emergency personnel.
