Ahmedabad, October 6, 2025: In a significant step towards building a safer and more responsive road environment, the Gujarat Road Safety Authority (GujROSA) today launched the First Responder Training Programme in collaboration with GVK EMRI (108 Services), SVNIT Surat, with technical support from UNICEF India. The initiative aims to empower citizens with essential life-saving skills to respond effectively to road crash emergencies.

The programme seeks to create a state-wide network of trained community responders, including youth volunteers from the National Service Scheme (NSS), traffic police, auto and bus drivers, and roadside vendors, who are often present at the scene within moments of an accident.

Speaking at the launch, Satish Patel, Commissioner, Gujarat Road Safety Authority, said, “Our goal is to make Gujarat’s roads among the safest in India. A quick and skilled first response can make the difference between life and death in the golden hour after a crash. Through this programme, GujROSA is committed to building a culture of preparedness and community participation in saving lives.”

As part of the initiative, GujROSA also unveiled a specially developed training manual titled ‘Jivan Doot’, a simplified guide on first aid and CPR techniques, enabling ordinary citizens to act confidently and effectively in emergencies.

The first phase of the programme will be rolled out in Ahmedabad and Surat, focusing on 10 high-risk accident hotspots in each city. Over 400 participants will be trained through practical, scenario-based modules covering trauma care, CPR, and first aid.

Narayan Gaonkar, Health Specialist, UNICEF India, addressing NSS volunteers from Karnavati University, emphasised, “By empowering communities, especially youth volunteers to act swiftly in emergencies, particularly around schools and child-dense areas, we aim to protect children and young people, who are among the most vulnerable road users.”

Highlighting the importance of community involvement, Jashvant Prajapati, Chief Operating Officer, GVK EMRI, said, “The 108 Emergency Service has been saving lives across Gujarat for years. This collaboration with GujROSA extends our mission by training citizens to become first responders and partners in emergency care.”

The partnership between GujROSA, GVK EMRI, SVNIT Surat, and UNICEF India reflects a united effort to reduce road fatalities, enhance emergency response systems, and promote a culture of road safety awareness in Gujarat.