Absence of a single nationwide emergency number and uncoordinated action by rescue services can result in delays in getting urgent treatment to critically injured victims. Each 10 minutes of delay in extracting a severely injured person from a crashed vehicle can reduce chances of survival by 10 %. Thus, many people may be dying needlessly because of the insufficient first aid being available at the scene, slow extraction of injured persons from the damaged vehicle, slow transport to a health centre or hospital, and in some cases, insufficient medical help on arrival at the health centre or hospital.

The key principle in this sector is to provide initial stabilization of the injured party during the “golden hour” (i.e. the first hour after injury). Thus, one approach for LMICs to consider could be somehow to expand the numbers of 1st aid trained persons by mobilising those who are most frequently on the road. Increasing the 1st aid capability of commercial drivers, for example, who are most often on the road or first responders such as traffic police or community volunteers can make a significant impact on deaths by keeping the person alive for 10 – 20 minutes until more skilled 1st aid help arrives. A particularly important initiative is to have joint training of ambulance, police and rescue crews in order to reduce the extrication time for injured victims so they can be treated quicker or so that lifesaving medical treatment can commence while extrication is still underway.

Documents / teaching materials that will be provided in this sector will include guidance on how post crash services canbe improved.