Bhubaneswar: A day after the death of two home guard aspirants during a physical fitness test in Gajapati district, state govt on Friday reviewed the safety protocols for recruitment procedures.Director general (home guards) Sudhanshu Sarangi conducted an emergency virtual meeting with SPs and DCPs on Friday to address the deaths and reinforce safety measures.“We cannot afford to lose precious lives during recruitment processes. Every district must strictly follow the standard operating procedures without any compromise. We have also sought the assistance of the chief district medical officers (CDMOs) to provide healthcare facilities at the recruitment venues,” said Sarangi told TOI.The guidelines emphasise mandatory medical support during physical tests, particularly running events. “We are making it compulsory to provide ambulances, qualified medical professionals and adequate drinking water facilities at all recruitment venues,” a senior police officer said.Currently, candidates are required to submit a self-declaration regarding their health condition before participating in physical tests.“Candidates must honestly disclose their medical conditions. Those with heart ailments, blood pressure issues or other underlying health concerns should refrain from participating in rigorous physical tests,” Sarangi said.Dr Rajesh Kumar Tripathy, a cardiologist, said, “Physical fitness tests can be extremely demanding. Prior medical screening and proper medical support during such events are absolutely crucial.”Govt officials said the home guard wing expansion remains a focus area. The BJP govt, after assuming office in June 2024, lifted the recruitment restrictions implemented by the previous govt in 2020.Last month, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved 2,500 additional home guard positions, increasing their sanctioned strength to 20,175. With 2,416 existing vacancies, SPs have begun the recruitment processes following govt directives.