Model Citizen: Everyone should be more aware and well trained for emergencies

This is a volunteer-driven organisation that trains individuals in handling medical emergencies. After finishing his MBA, he joined the organisation eight years ago as an Executive Administrator and now he is a trainer and an Assistant Manager Operations. In the early stages of his career, he realised the harsh reality about how most people react when they see a person bleeding on the road. 

“We are given training on how to help an accident in real-time emergency situations and give basic life support, before the ambulance arrives,” says Karthik, recalling an incident seven years ago on Chennai- Kancheepuram highway. 

“The traffic was stalled in the peak of summer and everyone was getting restless. I knew something had happened and I left my vehicle where it was and walked to where the commotion was. I saw that there had been an accident– a head-on collision between a tempo traveller and a two-wheeler. The bike rider was not wearing a helmet; because of this he suffered serious injuries to his face.” 

While he lay on the road, people were fighting with the driver of the other vehicle. “First, I requested the crowd to fetch a cloth. An elderly man gave me a towel, using which I arrested the blood flow. Secondly, I wanted to move him to the side of the road. Some people were hesitant to help, but I begged them. 

We brought him to the side, close to the premises of someone’s house who objected to placing the accident victim near his compound. He didn’t want the police troubling them. I had to struggle to convince them that no one will question them. I also had to check that he was okay till the ambulance arrived.” 

The paramedics came and the accident victim was taken to a hospital. Karthik has been in over ten such situations. “Such incidents highlight the need for all of us to be equipped and trained for any emergency. We have trained many individuals – students and working professionals. We also have launched a Simulation lab for the common man. Several people lose their lives because of delay in medical help. We want people to be better informed and well-prepared,” he says.