Bike ambulance service helps 232 patients in a month

Mumbai: Since the state government’s launch of motorbike ambulances on August 2, nearly 232 patients have reaped the benefits of this service that was started with a view to providing quick medical assistance, mostly during golden hour, in emergency situations. When in medical distress, you can dial 108, free of charge, to avail the motorbike ambulance service available in ten different areas of the city.

Currently, Royal Enfield bikes are being converted into bike ambulances armed with medical equipment intended to serve as emergency first responder medical services, along with teams of trained paramedics who will provide necessary treatment to patients, especially those in areas inaccessible to big ambulances, during golden hour. Dr Satish Pawar, head, directorate of health services (DHS), said, “All bikes are deployed in the city to reach patients who are in an emergency situation, especially accident victims. So far, 232 patients have benefitted from this facility. Bike ambulances are equipped with a medical kit, trauma medical management kit and airway management kit, with a few tablets to give patients, if required.”

Maharashtra is the fourth state after Karnataka, Kerala and Gujarat to start two-wheeler ambulances. Several BAMS/BUMS-qualified doctors have been trained to operate these bike ambulances. The doctors work under emergency medical services (EMS) with 24 other doctors who work for the 108 medical service. The bike ambulance staff is a part of EMS.

In the first phase of the pilot project, these ambulances have been deployed at Ashok Tekadi, Jamil Nagar, Bhandup (west), Cheetah camp, maternity home, Mankhurd, Dharavi police station, Nagpada police station, Kurar police station, Aappa Pada, Malad (west), Kurar police (east).