1. Minute 0 to 3: Scene Assessment, Hazard Triangles, and Perimeter Defense
Before taking any physical action regarding an immobilized vehicle, bystanders must secure their own physical safety. On expressways with design speeds of 120 km/h, approaching traffic covers over 33 meters per second. A driver traveling at highway speeds requires at least 85 to 110 meters of combined perception and braking distance on dry asphalt.
Secondary collisions—where approaching motorists ram into immobilized vehicles or bystanders—represent over 37% of catastrophic highway casualties in India. Therefore, the absolute first requirement is establishing perimeter visual warnings before touching the damaged vehicle.
Never step into the active traffic lane or stand between two stopped vehicles. Always conduct visual inspections and optical scans from the pedestrian footpath or crash-barrier shoulder.
2. Minute 3 to 5: Emergency Dispatch & The 112 / 1033 Notification Relay
Once the perimeter is marked, immediately trigger the institutional emergency response. In India, two national numbers form the backbone of highway dispatch:
Dial 112 (National Emergency Response Support System - ERSS) to dispatch local police and ambulance services. If traveling on a National Highway or Expressway under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), dial 1033 (NHAI Expressway Emergency Helpline) for dedicated route-patrol tow trucks and trauma ambulances.
3. Minute 5 to 7: Optical Decal Scan & Family Emergency Handshake
While public ambulances are en route, connecting to the victim's verified next-of-kin is vital. Traditionally, bystanders tried unlocking the victim's phone (usually blocked by fingerprint/PIN) or searching through private bags, raising accusations of theft.
Because VaahanSafe decals are affixed on the passenger-side quarter glass or windshield, a bystander can scan the QR code from the footpath curb in less than 3 seconds without touching personal belongings.
The resolved public safety view also displays consented medical emergency tags (e.g., Blood Group, Diabetic Alert, Cardiac History, Organ Donor status), providing critical triage information for attending paramedics.
When you tap 'Call Emergency Contact' on the scanned web view, the Cloudflare edge relay calls Priority Contact 1 for 25 seconds. If unanswered, it cascades to Priority Contact 2 for 20 seconds, simultaneously dispatching encrypted WhatsApp/SMS location pins.
4. Minute 7 to 15: Golden Hour First Aid & Cervical Spine Stabilization
The 'Golden Hour' refers to the first 60 minutes following major trauma, where prompt medical intervention yields the highest probability of survival and permanent disability prevention. Follow the international Trauma First Response ABC framework:
5. Minute 15 to 30: Formal Handover to Paramedics and Legal Departure
Upon ambulance arrival, the Good Samaritan's role shifts to an organized medical handover. Provide a concise SBAR briefing to the attending paramedic:
Under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, you are legally entitled to depart immediately once clinical personnel take charge. You are under no obligation to accompany the ambulance or surrender your identity.