Pune, India: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations to set up an emergency medical service (EMS) complete with a helpline for the city. “The 24×7 helpline will take calls and jot down all important information related to the incident. It will then locate an ambulance, fire engines or a police vehicle, as per the need through GPS, automatic vehicle locating technology (AVLT) and GIS technology and depute them for further help,” said Prasad Rajhans, vice-president of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine.
Proposed EMS will deliver comprehensive trauma care services to victims of terror attacks, natural calamities and accidents. The service, if implemented will cost INR 80 million.
“The plan is to launch a call centre with a fleet of 50 well-equipped ambulances to render integrated emergency medical services. It will be a 24×7 emergency service. A toll-free number will be made available that can be accessed from a landline or a cell phone. Help will reach victims in 18 minutes,” said Dilip Sarda, president of the city chapter of IMA.
Source: TOI
