Gruesome accidents are not a very rare site on our roads and highways. We all have witnessed them and depending on the situation, passed on praying for the victim's well being, ignoring the accident and at times helping the accident victims. I witnessed something similar and was(still am) very disturbed of the trauma rescue mechanism we have in place. While a strata of society blames of how remorseless we(esp Delhiites post Dhaula Kuan rape case) have become to ignoring fellow humans in distress, this incidence have really eroded the very intention and plan of our govt towards the citizens. We see those fancy ambulances and cranes at the toll booths of these big private players who collect a convenience fee for letting you ride on road (what do govt do with our road tax, vehicle tax and what not!), these private players are just a showoff, with no better intentions than the govt machinery.
Prologue:
It was a weekend that we all friends were able to steal from our respective priorities. The weekend marriage of a friend at chandigarh sealed our plans for chandigarh and may be shimla/kasauli. So, off we went to chandigarh from delhi at 2200 hrs on the last friday night. Reached Zirrakpur McDonalds at 0200 hrs to meet the rest of the gang. There, the gang split into the photo/driving enthusiasts ready to leave for Kasauli to witness a sun-rise from the sunrise point and the lazy-ones off to a flat to catch a nap.
The incident:
On way to Kasuali via Himalyan Expressway, witnessed an accident of flipped over car(a new suzuki dezire regn no HR 03 xxxx) near Chandi Mandir. The car had already crashed on divider, flipped over and landed of the roof on the other side of the higway. The occupants, a couple around 25 yrs of age were evacuated from the vehicle by the truck fellows and were on the center verge. The guy had his scalp ripped apart, bleeding heavily while the female occupant was unharmed sans her thumb totally broken and hanging. She was already on line with helpline seeking help and consoling her husband who was in senses but grievously injured. Got numb for a few seconds seeing the accident and then helped them with water and some cloth to press on the head wound (the bandage of car's first aid was too small in relation to the ripped scalp).
The action:
Decided not to wait for the ambulance and transport them to a hospital in my car. But then decided against it for:
- I had female accomplice and it was no wise to de-board them on an unknown highway at 3 am
- The nature of injury was too serious, so the initial medical help/laid down position of ambulance could make a difference of life vs death for the injured guy
- I had no idea of locality and locating a suitable hospital could mean wasting the golden hour for the patient
Inquired from the truck driver that the next toll booth is only one kilometer away. The cries of the lady and finding myself mook spectating the dying man like others was not helping either. So, I rushed my car to the next toll and stopped next to the establishment with an ambulance standing. Shouted at the sleeping guards, hurling abuses at them due to disturbed mental state. Post shouting for 5 minutes, the gates were opened and a patrol vehicle (a xylo pickup) was started and ready to dispatch. I argued that it was a confirmed accident with casualties, hence dispatch an ambulance which was standing there. Another commotion followed with more guards waking up and some of the staff too. The driver of ambulance then appeared yawning followed by a paramedic awaking from his sleep slumber with a first aid kit (the kind we have at our home). This entire episode wasted some 20 minutes with me running from one locked office to other to fasten action.
After ensuring the dispatching of ambulance, enraged and baffled from all this, I demanded meeting the toll-incharge. I was escorted to another end of a building where in a control room with cctv monitors and radio equipment lay a guy with sleepy eyes(a retd army official). In one corner of the room, laid his makeshift bed for sleeping. I blasted at him and questioned the state of affairs. He very casually stated that all the help was rushed in time and ASAP. Further, I was told it was there standard procedure to send a patrol vehicle which confirms the state of affairs at the site of accident. Shouting further, briefed him about the ground events I was a witness to and throwing around some weight had him seated in chair, ordering tea for me. I asked for the complaint register and was told they do not have one. He told me to give my complaint in writing and he shall follow up the same in morning. I wrote my complaint on a plain paper and asked for receiving which was denied. On talking to his senior on phone: the actual in-charge(some ex-DSP Mr.Thakur sleeping at his sweet home with sweet dreams), the toll guy finally photocopied the complaint and signed on it(they said they do not have a stamp!).
The final update on the accident before leaving was that the couple had been dispatched to trauma center in an ambulance and police had reached the spot.
What now:
I have the copy of the complaint signed by the control room guy and payment receipt of crossing the toll at 0411 hrs. I have visited the website of NHAI and Ministry of Road Transport and Highway. Already in the process of writing a complaint letter to the Chairman, NHAI and someone in the ministry too. Is there anything else I could do? I know, the injured guy may have already lost his life in all this unnecessary delays but the sole criterion of complaining is to ensure providing timely help to any other unlucky fellow who may face an accident.
Help and suggestions invited.