Empowering First Responders in Uganda: The Crucial Role of First Aid in Saving Lives.

Accidents are unpredictable, yet their consequences can often be mitigated through timely and effective first aid. In Uganda, where road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of death and emergency medical services are limited, first responders play a pivotal role in saving lives. Among these are taxi and boda boda operators, who are often the first at accident scenes, despite lacking the resources or training to provide adequate care. This reality underscores the urgency of equipping these operators with basic first aid training and tools to handle emergencies safely and efficiently.

Road Traffic Accidents in Uganda: A Growing Concern

Uganda ranks among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa for road traffic accident fatalities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Uganda recorded 12,036 RTA-related deaths in 2016, accounting for 4.5% of the country’s total deaths. With road transport being the dominant mode of transportation — carrying 99% of passengers and 97% of freight — taxi and boda boda operators are among the most exposed to road accidents.

These operators often find themselves as first responders at accident scenes. However, studies reveal a glaring gap in their preparedness. In a 2021 study conducted in Kampala’s New Taxi Park, 97.7% of taxi operators had heard about first aid, yet only 19.4% had prior training. Furthermore, while 97% of participants recognized the importance of first aid, only 52.5% had ever attended to accident victims.

The Role of Boda Boda Operators

Boda bodas, Uganda’s popular motorcycle taxis, are equally critical in accident response. Often navigating congested streets, boda boda riders frequently encounter RTAs and, in many cases, are the first on the scene. Their swift mobility positions them as key players in providing prehospital care. However, like taxi operators, boda boda riders often lack formal first aid training, leaving them ill-equipped to handle emergencies safely and effectively.

Barriers to First Aid Provision

The challenges faced by taxi and boda boda operators in administering first aid include:

• Lack of Knowledge and Training: Many operators fear causing further harm due to insufficient knowledge.

• Limited Resources: Few operators carry first aid kits, and those who do may not know how to use them properly.

• Fear of Bloodborne Infections: In areas with high HIV prevalence, fear of disease transmission deters many from assisting accident victims.

• Legal and Cultural Concerns: Operators often hesitate to intervene due to potential legal implications or cultural beliefs.

• The Importance of First Aid in Uganda’s Unique Context

• First aid is more than just a life-saving intervention; it is a crucial link in reducing fatalities and promoting recovery. However, Uganda’s high prevalence of HIV adds complexity to emergency care, emphasizing the need for safe practices, such as using gloves and other barriers when dealing with open wounds. Despite these challenges, the willingness of laypeople, including taxi and boda boda operators, to assist during emergencies offers a glimmer of hope.

The Intersection of RTAs and HIV

Uganda’s road sector dominates transportation, with taxis and boda bodas accounting for the majority of passenger movement. These operators are not only frequent victims of RTAs but also the first on the scene, tasked with aiding others. With HIV prevalence still a concern, especially among adolescents and young women, precautions must be taken to ensure that first aid practices protect both responders and victims.

Key Facts About HIV in Uganda:

• As of 2016, HIV prevalence in the general population aged 15–49 years was 6.0%, a decline from 7.3% in 2011.

• Adolescents, particularly girls, remain disproportionately affected, with adolescent girls being four times more likely to contract HIV than boys of the same age group.

• High-risk behaviors, including transactional and cross-generational sex, further exacerbate vulnerabilities among adolescent girls.

• Bridging the Gap: Empowering First Responders

• To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is needed:

Mandatory First Aid and Safety Training

Taxi and boda boda operators should be equipped with first aid skills as part of their licensing requirements. Training must emphasize universal precautions to prevent bloodborne infections, including HIV.

Community Engagement and Sensitization

Public campaigns can raise awareness about the importance of first aid and safe practices. Communities must support and encourage first responders to adopt these measures.

Provision of Essential Equipment

Access to gloves, first aid kits, and protective gear should be prioritized, ensuring safety for both responders and victims.

Policy Reforms and Support

The government should implement policies that support training, infrastructure improvements, and incentives for lay responders.

Addressing HIV Vulnerabilities Among Adolescents

Adolescents, especially girls, need targeted interventions to reduce HIV risks, including comprehensive education, improved access to healthcare, and gender-focused initiatives to combat inequality and violence.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Uganda faces dual challenges: a high burden of RTAs and the ongoing HIV epidemic. However, by empowering first responders like taxi and boda boda operators, the country can turn these challenges into opportunities. With proper training and resources, these operators can become life-saving heroes, not only reducing road accident fatalities but also protecting themselves and others in the face of Uganda’s HIV crisis.

Join the Movement

At Safety Watch Initiatives, we are committed to equipping Uganda’s first responders with the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to save lives. Through training, advocacy, and resource distribution, we aim to create a safer environment for everyone.

Together, we can empower our communities to respond effectively to emergencies and build a culture of safety and care.

Visit Safety Watch Initiatives to learn more and support our efforts.

Written by:

Samson Iron