Developing a Youth-Led Emergency Care Response System at the Community Level: An Implementation Study

SATYAM: Student Augmented Training for Youth Amplification

Abstract

Background: Emergencies and injuries are major contributors to mortality and disability in low- and middle-income countries, including India. Community-based first-responder systems can reduce preventable deaths, particularly when youth are trained to act in time- critical situations.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and impact of the SATYAM (Student Augmented Training for Youth Amplification) program, a youth-led emergency care training initiative in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted from October 2024 to March 2025 across government colleges. Teachers and non-medical students received structured, two-day in-person training covering six modules on emergency recognition, response, and key life-saving skills (hands-only CPR, bleeding control, fracture management, Heimlich manoeuvre). A Training-of-Trainers model was used, where trained faculty cascaded knowledge to students. Knowledge and confidence were assessed via pre- and post-tests; participant feedback was collected.

Results: A total of 2,833 participants (362 teachers, 2,471 students) completed the program. Median knowledge scores improved significantly from 4 (IQR 3–6) pre-training to 7 (IQR 6– 8) post-training (p < 0.001). Confidence in bleeding control increased from 31.6% to 78.7% reporting “Very Confident,” and in chest compressions from 31.0% to 76.7%. Nearly 90% found the training useful for saving lives, and 85% would recommend it to others.

Conclusion: SATYAM demonstrates that youth-led, community-based emergency care training is feasible, scalable, and effective in improving knowledge, confidence, and readiness to act. Embedding such programs within institutional frameworks can strengthen community resilience, reduce preventable morbidity and mortality, and foster civic responsibility among young populations.