Ankush Kumar, the coordinator of the Safety and Medical Advisory Council (SMAC), took time off his hectic pre-BOSM schedule to talk to the BOSM English Press. When asked about the relative anonymity of the council, he wasn’t surprised. ‘It’s because we deal primarily with Institute officials and on things that people hardly notice,’ he said.

SMAC is an Institute body that, in Ankush’s words, provides people with basic first aid and paramedic facilities during fests. Although they can  manage serious injuries like fractures, SMAC has not encountered anything more serious than a twisted leg in Ankush’s time. However, they tended to three hundred small-to-medium intensity injuries last BOSM and took 20-24 extreme cases to Sarvajanik hospital.

The council has had its share of problems in the past. During BOSM 2017, SMAC ran out of their DFO spray and crepe bandage supply, as BOCO didn’t order enough. Since their stall was at Gym-G, they faced issues while transporting ice boxes to SAC. To address these issues this time around, SMAC has ordered over 70 DFO sprays and crepe bandages, and will also provide medical facilities at SAC.

Apart from the fests, SMAC conducts regular checkups of all the water coolers and Redis on campus to ensure quality. In case of a violation, they suggest solutions to the institute, and implement them when necessary. Ankush adds that the team of 15-20 self-trained members is always ready for an emergency. ‘We have 3 cars on call, an emergency room for BITSians, and an ambulance on standby.’

SMAC is now aiming to review mental health of all students on campus, as Ankush feels that the 3 day Emerson Scott visits are insufficient. When asked why he chose to join SMAC, Ankush replied, ‘I felt that the work we do is mature and there is a lot to learn. Although we have a lot of social activities, we directly interact with the institute officials like CSO and Chief Warden and that is a really good learning experience.’