Cops get lessons to handle accidents on highways

The training will begin on Thursday. Over 300 police personnel will receive training in firefighting from specialised firefighters team at Ordinance Factory on Dehu Road. Sharad Shelar,superintendent of police with State Highway Police,said,“In more than 75,000 road accidents across the state every year,about 12,000 people lose their lives and 30,000 are injured. A large number of these accidents are on highways. In 15 days,we will train our staff in better handling of these situations.”

H D Katkar,assistant police inspector with Lonavala division,State Highway Police,said a police constable is the first to reach an accident spot site. “In the first phase,our officers and constables will be trained in proper identification of the problem. For example,if an explosive carriers meets with an accident and the driver is also injured,our constable will learn how to avert further calamity by identifing the explosive with the help of a sheet that every driver carries. Proper first aid and treatment of the injured will be the priority. They will also get a special training on first aid.”

L D Khobragade,joint general manager at Dehu Road Ordinance Factory,said,“Our firefighters will train policemen with the help of special metal powder explosives.” Katkar added,“A special session on handling accidents of POL substances that is,petrol,oil and lubricants will also be held with support from research establishment of a petroleum company in Pune.”

A police constable with the highway police said,“Such a training was badly needed since long. When we reach the spot,most of the times we are handicapped without the knowledge of any of these things. We expect the training to continue even after the end of the safety week.”