Over 1,000 bike and cab drivers trained in life-saving emergency response skills

Recently, on the occasion of World Emergency Day, the Society for Acute Care, Trauma, and Emergency Medicine (SACTEM), in collaboration with Rapido, successfully conducted CPR and First Aid training for over 1000 Rapido drivers across 16 cities.These training sessions were specifically designed to empower Rapido drivers - individuals who are constantly on the move and often the first witnesses to road traffic accidents (RTAs). By equipping them with basic emergency response skills, SACTEM and Rapido aim to enhance community-level responsiveness and save lives during the critical Golden Hour — the first hour after trauma, where timely intervention significantly increases chances of survival and reduces disability.According to recent data, India reports more than 4.6 lakh road traffic accidents annually, with over 1.5 lakh fatalities. A large percentage of these deaths occur due to the lack of timely first aid and delayed transport to hospitals. Studies show that treatment within the Golden Hour can prevent up to 40% of deaths caused by RTAs. Empowering first responders with basic emergency care knowledge is, therefore, a vital step toward reducing this toll.

Aravind Sanka, Rapido co-founder, said, “Our captains are not just mobility partners — they are integral to the fabric of our cities. This partnership with SACTEM reflects our belief that mobility goes beyond getting from point A to point B — it's about being a part of the community and stepping up when it matters. By equipping our captains with life-saving skills, we’re taking a meaningful step toward making our roads safer and building a culture of care.

We’re proud to lead an initiative that empowers everyday heroes across our cities.”Dr. Nayan Sriramula, National Coordinator for this initiative, emphasized the crucial role of early intervention in both medical and surgical emergencies, highlighting that timely help can often mean the difference between life and death.Dr. Subhankar Paul, Academic Head of SACTEM and the lead designer of the training curriculum said, “This is an example of how corporate-social partnerships can truly make an impact.”Such training programs will be continued in the coming months to cover other cities and include more drivers.