Auto drivers trained in first aid procedures

The Rotary Club of Coimbatore and the Coimbatore City Traffic Police organised a first aid training and traffic awareness programme for autorickshaw drivers on Saturday.

Santiago Jesu, president of the Rotary Club of Coimbatore, said that the main idea behind the programme was to transform the mindsets of the autorickshaw drivers in the city and to make them socially responsible.

“We wanted to boost their self-esteem and morale, and make them to become more contributive members to society, and help them transform their image,” said Mr. Jesu.

Mr. Jesu said that ultimately, they hoped that they could utilise the services of the auto drivers in attending to accident victims.

“In most cases, the drivers are the first respondents to any accident, and help victims in many ways. We recognised that fact and trained them in emergency medical aid,” he said.

The drivers were trained by medical professionals in emergency first aid procedures. They were also given first aid kits worth ₹ 200 and dustbins that can be installed inside their vehicles to prevent passengers from littering. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Sujit Kumar, was the chief guest at the event and distributed the first aid kits to the drivers. The Rotary Club of Coimbatore stated that it was their aim to train all autorickshaw drivers in the city to perform emergency first aid procedures when required and help save lives.

K. Magudapathy and K. Kodiselvam, Assistant Commissioners, Traffic West and East respectively, were also present.