As Road Safety Month drew to a close, the Odisha Fire & Emergency Service hosted an engaging Media Meet & Greet Session in Bhubaneswar, underscoring its multifaceted role beyond traditional firefighting.
The event emphasised the department’s position as a frontline responder in road accidents and various disasters, aligning with international emergency standards to save lives and mitigate crises across the state.
The session provided a platform to highlight the department’s state-of-the-art rescue and medical equipment, designed for swift and effective interventions. Attendees got an up-close look at specialized tools such as Incident Command Vehicles for seamless on-site coordination; Advanced Rescue Tenders equipped with over 100 tools for rapid resource deployment; Core and Plasma Cutting Machines for precise vehicle extrication; Hydraulic Cutters and Spreaders powered by robust packs for forcing entry and freeing trapped victims; Pneumatic Lifting Bags to hoist overturned or crushed vehicles; Spine Stretchers for secure spinal immobilization; Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for immediate cardiac revival; Multipurpose Quick Response Units for fast initial aid; and Mortuary Vehicles ensuring respectful handling of the deceased.
In a testament to their growing impact, officials revealed that in 2025, the service responded to 8,172 road accident calls, successfully rescuing 8,742 individuals. This data reflects the department’s evolution into a comprehensive emergency medical and rescue force, operating round-the-clock to address Odisha’s road safety challenges.
Director General of Fire Service, Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, addressed the media, sharing insights into the department’s strategic advancements. “Our personnel are saving more lives every day. We are focusing on advanced training in handling spinal and head injury victims, stabilising patients before hospital transfer, safe management of unconscious patients, and effective CPR. Regular mock drills and hands-on simulations will further strengthen our rescue capabilities,” he stated.
The event culminated in a dynamic live demonstration, where fire service teams simulated real-world road accident scenarios. Using their advanced equipment, personnel showcased technical rescue techniques, offering media representatives a firsthand view of the department’s precision, preparedness, and rapid response protocols.
This Media Meet & Greet not only wrapped up Road Safety Month 2026 on a high note but also reinforced the Odisha Fire & Emergency Service’s unwavering dedication to enhancing road safety, delivering professional emergency services, and achieving excellence in lifesaving operations statewide.
