If you have been to Goa even once you’d know that the narrow streets are far from conducesive to full size Ambulances. The narrow roads of Goa needed a slightly different solution, especially considering that most of Goa is strewn with narrow access lanes. Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar along with Health Minister Vishwajit Rane launched a new fleet of 20 ‘108 First Responder Bike Ambulances’ at State Secretariat at Porvorim near the city on Thursday, taking a page out of Maharashtra who also recently launched Bike ambulances to services difficult to reach areas.
Speaking at the launch of these new generation first responders, Goa Chief minister said that these two-wheeled ambulances were paramount because they could not only avoid traffic snarls but also make easy work of reach obscure locations””These are first immediate response bikes with oxygen. Primary medical attention can be given. ..It would be deployed according to density. These are probably the first of its kind,” he said.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said,”We have conducted survey of hotspot and congested areas and the ambulances would be deployed accordingly. One more company has come forward with a proposal to provide us 25 ambulances. Our aim is to deploy at least 100 ambulances in the state within one year. Our attempt is to reduce the response time.”
Purti Patkar, Head of Operations, 108 Ambulances, said, ”All the basic equipment that are required that you use in your day to day life are present in the ambulances. We have different types of masks which can be connected to the oxygen cylinder. The ambulance riders are highly trained professionals.”
Now while these may not be the first word in patient transport, the bike ambulances can reach obscure location with important resources before a full size can follow if required.
Image Source: NewsBharati
