Bike ambulance handled 12,000 cases in a year

It has served to help reduce the response time – owing to the fact that it can reach interior areas quickly. Stating that bike ambulances are complementing the existing services, a source said, “It has helped in reducing the response time not only in cities like Chennai, but also Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchy. 

These ambulances have been able to navigate swiftly and provide immediate emergency care, especially to road accidents, those with breathing distress, or with myocardial infarction.” “Not all emergency cases need to be transported to a hospital. 

Some may need immediate care, which is what the bike ambulances focus on. They carry all emergency medicines and equipment required to provide immediate care, including the portable oxygen cylinder. They also have a back pack so that equipment and medicine can be carried to the second floor or third floor to provide care at the door step,” said Dr Sreedhar, a government hospital doctor. While it is useful to treat those suffering from diabetes, it can also be used for cases of fainting, hypoglycaemia or hypertension. 

“Every bike ambulance travels approximately two to five kilometres, serving its purpose in full form. Even during disasters - like structural collapses - bike ambulances were the first to reach and provide rescue and relief measures,” added the source. 

Health Minister Dr C Vijaya Baskar had earlier this year, said, “The bike ambulances are part of the existing 108 ambulance fleet. The TNEMRI has trained emergency management technicians for the same.”