The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) on Monday in Abuja trained about 50 Road Traffic Volunteers in prompt crash rescue techniques.
Dr Yusuf Suberu, FCT Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Mayors of the Federation, said the training targeted equipping mayors with the requisite skills and knowledge to manage accident victims.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that VIO Mayors are volunteers, assisting professional traffic managers in the 36 states and FCT to ease gridlock and traffic challenges through an enlarged volunteerism approach.
Suberu said the training would also serve to remind them of their duties and responsibilities in providing first-class lifesaving aids to accident victims.
In addition, the training, he said, would help in mapping out ways of reducing crashes in FCT and its environs.
According to him, the training is to improve service delivery and also help in getting adequate post-crash knowledge.
”The rate of road crashes in FCT is still high and will require improvement in operational performance and service delivery of operatives to contain.
”Motorists need to avoid using mobile phones and gadgets while plying the roads. As mayors of the federation, we will always lead by example.
”We will not relent in lending a helping hand to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), DRTS and other sister security agencies on removing obstructions from the highway.
”We believe that after this training, accident victims will get quick responses and adequate medical care,” he said.
One of the resource persons, Mr Dominic Ajim, Head of Department, Clinics, DRTS, said the training was for everyone to know at least the basic skills to manage and prevent serious injury.
According to Ajim, there has been an increase in the rate of domestic and public hazards, including life-claiming accidents in recent times.
“This is why prompt intervention is needed to save the lives of victims.
“It is important that every motorist on the road has basic knowledge of first aid administration and possibly a portable First Aid kit whenever on the road,” he said.
NAN reports the training, entitled “Rescue Techniques and First Aid Management Tips for Saving Lives and Property”, exposes participants to the rudiments of treating bleeding and fracture management among others.
