Life-Saving Skills for Three-Wheeler Drivers
On 18th August, our skills lab became the venue for a unique community initiative a pilot training workshop for three-wheeler drivers recruited through PickMe, Sri Lanka’s leading ride-share platform. The program was designed to give drivers practical, life-saving skills that they could apply immediately at the roadside in case of emergencies.
Workshop Design
The session was tailored specifically for three-wheeler drivers, focusing on what can realistically be done at the roadside with available resources.
- Initial lecture in Sinhala (with plans to extend to Tamil in future)
- Colourful brochure designed by students and given to each participant as a
take-home guide - Hands-on practice at five skills stations with mannequins
Who Made it Happen
- Concept: Prof. Manori Gamage
- Planning & guidance: Dr. Kavya Botejue
- Facilitation: Student members of the resuscitation club, who led interactive training stations using adult learning principles
- Support: PickMe, who generously bore all costs including skills lab rental (LKR 25,000), refreshments, and stationery
What the Drivers Learned
By the end of the session, all participants were able
to:
- Detect and confirm cardiac arrest
- Perform effective Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Immobilise the cervical spine using manual inline stabilisation (MILS)
- Safely log roll a patient onto a plank
- Immobilise the spine using simple, available resources such as towels and straps
Why It Matters
Three-wheeler drivers are often first on the scene after road accidents. Equipping them with the confidence to act quickly and correctly can prevent catastrophic complications and even save lives.
Looking Ahead
Extend the program to a larger pool of drivers,
