GoodSeva Disaster Protocol – Road Transport Safety & Golden Hour Response
Transport disasters — from highway crashes to mass-casualty events — require a robust emergency preparedness and response framework. GoodSeva Disaster Protocol provides a structured system for road transport safety, Golden Hour trauma response, EMS coordination, driver training, and disaster recovery planning across India’s logistics corridors.
Built on global best practices and Indian benchmarks, the protocol integrates preparedness, response, and recovery phases, ensuring that fleets, drivers, and logistics operators minimize fatalities, protect cargo, and restore continuity faster.
Emergency Preparedness & Response Framework for Road Transport
a) Preparedness
- Risk assessments & accident-prone mapping on major corridors
- Stakeholder coordination: transporters, emergency services, NGOs
- Regular training & simulation drills for lay responders
- Resources like trauma teams & shelters pre-positioned every 50 km
- Technology: GPS-enabled alerts, control center hotlines
b) Response (Golden Hour Protocol)
- Crash scene management: secure site, triage, traffic diversion
- First aid & stabilization using BLS protocols
- Real-time trauma notification & EMS coordination (e.g. 108 in India)
- Evacuation with paramedics within the Golden Hour
c) Recovery & Continuity
- Incident documentation & insurance processing
- Infrastructure restoration (DOT/NHAI)
- Data analysis & after-action reviews
- Community rehab and trauma counseling
Phase 1: Pre-Trip
- Vehicle inspection & safety kit check
- Driver orientation & first-aid training
- Emergency contacts ready (108/911)
- GPS tracking & SOS enabled
Phase 2: On-Scene Management
- Secure accident site
- Assess injuries & begin first aid
- Activate EMS immediately
- Log incident details
Phase 3: Evacuation
- Triage patients by severity
- Choose transport: bike, ambulance, airlift
- Alert hospital in advance
Phase 4: Post-Transport Recovery
- Gather reports & complete documentation
- Insurance & legal processing
- Debriefing for mental/occupational health
Phase 5: After-Action Review
- Conduct multi-agency case review
- Update SOPs based on findings
- Publish learnings & train teams
- Mumbai–Pune Zero Fatality Corridor: Multi-layer model cut fatalities by 52%
- Bengal Highway EMS: 110 ambulances every 50 km with GPS dispatch
- Lifeline Foundation (NH8): Doctor-led response with coordinated trauma services
- FHWA Emergency Workshop (U.S.): Vehicle re-routing for mass-casualty events
- Triage: Red/Yellow/Green tagging
- Basic Life Support (CPR, airway, bleeding control)
- Splinting, immobilization, spinal protection
- Hydration & hypothermia prevention
- Psychological First Aid & mental support
- Layperson rescue training (e.g. Jeevan Rakshak)
🔹 India
- 108/102 Ambulance Services (GVK EMRI)
- SaveLIFE Foundation – Good Samaritan programs
- Lifeline Foundation – NH8 Helpline
- NHAI trauma centers across highways
🔹 USA
- 911 Emergency Services
- U.S. DOT – FHWA ETO Resources
- FEMA & NASEM preparedness reports
- Incident Response Form
- Triage & Evacuation Checklists
- Emergency Stakeholder Contact Matrix
- Post-Incident Debrief Logs
- Training & Drill Schedule Tracker
- Governance: Role clarity for drivers, dispatchers, responders
- Technology: Real-time tracking + SOS systems
- Training: Mandatory BLS certification and trauma drills
- Data Integration: Link to NHAI / DOT dashboards
- Continuous Learning: Update SOPs via AAR feedback
| Feature | Global Benchmark | India / USA Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-positioned EMS | Every 50 km on key routes | Bengal Highway ambulances |
| Layperson First Aid Training | High NGO participation | SaveLIFE & Lifeline initiatives |
| Golden Hour Coverage | Trauma centers within 1 hour | NHAI trauma network |
| After-Action Reviews | Standard at U.S. DOT | FHWA ETO protocols |
A robust transport disaster protocol integrates:
- Advance preparation: training, resource staging, communication
- Rapid response: medical care, triage, evacuation, coordination
- Recovery: after-action reviews, system upgrades, rehab
Best practices from India and the U.S. show that collaboration, tech integration, and continuous learning are essential to saving lives and minimizing disruption in transport disasters.
