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Odisha Fire Service Gets 2.4 Crore Boost for Road Safety
9 Feb
Summary
- Rs 2.4 crore allocated to enhance road safety measures.
- Firefighters to receive advanced first-aid and lifesaving training.
- New medical kits will equip rescue vehicles for the 'golden hour'.
The Odisha government has allocated Rs 2.4 crore to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Odisha Fire and Emergency Service (OFES) in mitigating road accident fatalities. This crucial funding will be directed towards advanced first-aid training programs for firefighters and the procurement of medical kits for emergency rescue vehicles.
These medical kits are designed to ensure immediate medical attention for accident victims within the vital 'golden hour' following an incident. The training will equip firefighters with advanced lifesaving skills, including patient stabilization, safe handling of unconscious individuals, and CPR administration, thereby improving their response effectiveness.
In 2023, OFES attended 8,172 road accident calls, successfully saving 8,742 lives. The service has already responded to 4,936 calls in 2024, with 5,833 lives saved. The initiative includes plans to upgrade the skills of 2,000 personnel annually, ensuring adequate trained responders in every fire station.
Currently, OFES is equipped with advanced rescue tools and vehicles, including hydraulic tools, rescue tenders, and automated external defibrillator (AED) machines. This investment aims to further strengthen their capacity to respond to road emergencies and reduce preventable deaths.
