Wheels of 108 ambulances kept moving in April to shift patients to the hospital in Vadodara
About 8500 rounds by ambulances and took patients to government and private hospitals, more than half of these were covid patients
108 Ambulance Service is a link to hospitals that can provide emergency treatment to a patient or injured person and provide necessary treatment. This service often does not have time to breathe a sigh of relief even on normal days. With the addition of Covid Crisis, the wheels of 108 ambulances seem to be constantly spinning. They recieved two or three calls of emergency before one round is completed.
Informing that April was a difficult month for them, Nilesh Bharpoda, District Manager, 108 Services, said, their vehicles made more than 8500 rounds in April month to transport 8500 patients to the hospital. More than half of which were to transport Covid patients to government and private hospitals.
Giving statistics, he said that in the last month, the ambulances shifted Corona patients in total of 4543 rounds consists of 3669 rounds in government and 874 rounds in private hospitals and save their lives. During transport these patients were checked for oxygen level, body temperature and given first aid and oxygen if required.
Corona is an infectious disease and the pilots and nursing assistants take anti-infection care, including wearing a PPE kit while shifting covid patients to the hospitals. However, they are working tirelessly amidst constant worries that their families, children or relatives may not be infected because of them. They are scared to go home and meet the children but never back from their duties.
He cited the example of a pilot's father who died during this time and after the cremation he returned to work the next day. A number of such cases of devotion to duty have been registered in the name of these dedicated warriors.
Vadodara 108 had a fleet of 32 vehicles during this month and get six from another locations. Currently 10 new ambulances with ultra modern equipments and oxygen joined the fleet. Even if they return the 6 vehicles got on loan, the fleet of 42 vehicles will be available and there will be some relief for them to serve the patients.
Covid is an extraordinary health crisis and 108 has surpassed service tests in the face of this challenge.
