Coimbatore : The Social and Family Welfare Department of the State controls over 926 '108' ambulances in the State, out of which 39 ambulances operate in Coimbatore.
Coimbatore : The Social and Family Welfare Department of the State controls over 926 '108' ambulances in the State, out of which 39 ambulances operate in Coimbatore.
Strategically placed at key points in different areas across the city, these jeeps are easily accessible to people in hilly regions too. The 108 Ambulances are fully equipped with life-saving medicines and first aid kids and medical assistance for patients en route to the hospital. There are also two special ambulances for neonatal care with incubator facility.
Owing to the emergency needs of the city's denizens, the 108 Ambulance was pressed into service in September 2008. The Ambulances have since then had a great track record by reaching needy patients in emergencies within 12 minutes in city limits and 16 minutes in rural areas. All vital life-saving facilities like oxygen cylinder, ventilator and ECG multi para monitors are available inside the 108 Ambulance. Over 2.5 lakh people in the city have reportedly availed the service thus far.
83,425 road accident patients and 65,000 women in labour have benefited from the service of these ambulances. In a press release issued by the District Manager of the 108 Ambulance service, it is stated that alerts made from the 108 mobile app will make it easier for the ambulances to reach the spot accurately due to the GPS facility available in the App and hence encouraged citizens to download the App to call for immediate help in case of emergencies.