Now, bike ambulance services for Delhiites

NEW DELHI: To ensure timely health assistance in traffic-congested areas and small lanes, the Delhi government on Thursday launched bike ambulance

services. The bikes, to be known as the First Responder Vehicles, will have a portable oxygen cylinder, first aid kit and dressing materials, air-splints, GPS and communication device, among others.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the fleet of 16 bikes at Delhi Secretariat along with Health Minister Satyendar Jain. This will reduce the ambulance response time in congested areas and JJ clusters in East Delhi (East, North East and Shahdara). "Today we have taken a big step for the people of Delhi. Till now only big vehicles were available for ambulance services, now these bike ambulances will be able to reach narrow bylanes to provide immediate medical care for people residing there," CM Kejriwal said.

"The van ambulances were not able to reach in small lanes. Sixteen bike ambulances have been launched. The number will go up in the coming future. This will also be easy in high traffic zones," he added. The project that cost Rs 40 lakh was approved by the Cabinet last year. "Against the sanctioned funds of Rs 40 lakh, the project was completed at Rs 23 lakh only," the government said.

An official said that for this purpose, CATS purchased 16 Hero Achiever Motorcycles which are fabricated and equipped with medical equipment. For the operational purpose, these FRVs are also equipped with Mobile Data Terminal for communication, GPS devices for tracking and route navigation and integrated with existing CATS Control Room. These FRVs are manned by trained ambulance manpower. Against the sanctioned funds of Rs.40.00 Lakhs, the project is completed in Rs.23.00 Lakhs.

"Centralised Accident & Trauma Services (CATS), an autonomous body of Delhi provides round the clock free ambulance service in Delhi for accident and trauma victims, medical emergencies, transportation of pregnant women for delivery and post-delivery (drop back to home), inter-hospital transportation etc. CATS ambulances are equipped and manned by trained ambulance manpower to deal with all kind of medical emergencies including onboard deliveries," said the official. Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government had also recently launched the "Zero Fatality Corridor" to examine the cause for accidents and crashes on the stretch between Burari chowk and Bhalswa chowk, located on the outer ring road. The initiative is to be run in partnership with SaveLIFE Foundation, a leading road safety non-profit organisation.