Train railway staff in first aid’

HC-appointed committee pays surprise visits to 10 suburban railway stations to check on emergency medical facilities for commuters, puts forth list of eight suggestions

Just two days ago, Nalasopara resident Najma Shaikh went into labour aboard a local train and
    was forced to wait for over 30 minutes on a platform at Grant Road station before an ambulance could reach her. As the baby continues to battle for his life, the case plays up concerns raised by social activist Sameer Zaveri last year, when he moved the Bombay High Court demanding a review of the appalling lack of medical facilities at railway stations.
    Incidentally, Zaveri's PIL came up for hearing on Thursday, and an HC-appointed committee submitted a list of suggestions for the Railways which, if implemented, would ensure that there are no more incidents like Najma's.
    Amicus curie (friend of the court) advocate Jamshed Mistry submitted a detailed report of the facilities that need improvement at suburban stations as well inside local trains. Between March 7 and March 14, the committee – appointed by Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar – paid surprise visits to at least 10 railway stations on the Western and Central lines.
    Though the petition will once again come up for hearing on March 26, here are the eight key suggestions put forth by the team:
    The court should direct railway authorities to take victims to the nearest private or public hospital, located not more than five kilometres from the accident site.
    Every single station must have more than one ambulance, even more so if there are frequent accidents there. In addition, each station must have two first aid kits and one stretcher.
    The helpline number – 9833331111, which is common to both Western and Central railways – must be more prominently displayed at stations and inside trains.
    The Railways should train officials and helpers/hamals in administering first aid – and conduct sufficient refresher courses – so that an injured commuter can be given some treatment until an ambulance arrives.
    Every platform should have large signs indicating exactly where a commuter can avail of first aid as well as directions to ambulance parking.
    There must be better communication between the GRPF and RPF, so that there are no administrative delays in transporting a victim to hospital.
    There should be fencing between two platforms; the height of platforms should be increased; and foot overbridges must be constructed on every platform.
    The format of the printed memo used to report accidents should be changed to include the time and the signature of the GRP officials who assist in taking the victim to hospital.

One of the suggestions by the HC-appointed panel is that accident victims be taken to the nearest private or public hospital, located not more than five kilometres from the accident site