We have all witnessed ambulances desperately trying to squeeze through busy roads to get to the injured person. In order to reduce the time taken to offer first aid to injured victims, the BBMP is looking to invest in bike ambulances that will make first aid and emergency care more accessible when most needed, if everything goes as per plan. The city is already equipped with over 20 bikes ambulances that are maintained by the Department of Health and Family Welfare. In a chat with people in the city, we find out what they think.
This city-based banker feels that the feasibility of this project depends on the success rate of the pilot project. Prasad Padmanaban says, “This plan that the BBMP is coming out with is really good. But, I really hope that doesn’t go down the drain during implementation due to interference from politics and bureaucracy. Feasibility depends on the success rate of the pilot project. Just having 100 bikes wouldn’t suffice but having it at proper junctions would be the key. Also the way in which people can get access to this service is important.
Knowledge about such services and how to avail them must be spread efficiently. Proper awareness needs to be made among the public for the success of this initiative.”
This youngster feels that this initiative will benefit people not only in terms of health care but also with regard to employment. Vaishali S who is a student in the city shares her thoughts, “This initiative is great as it has promises advantageous outcomes. Although this initiative may not be feasible for major injuries, this is an optimum solution for minor ones. I think it’s high time that we realise the feasibility of this as already this process is started and people are deriving benefits out of it. A city like Bengaluru definitely needs such services as the place always has a synonymous word of traffic city. This is definitely a welcome move as it not only benefits people but also provides employment opportunities. There is an emergence of a new streamline of professional work so I personally feel that this is a welcome move and now on the grounds that even the government is supporting, this is going to help the society at large.”
This city-based youngster feels that bike ambulances will be able to navigate better on the busiest roads in the city. Meghana Mukesh, a physiotherapy student in the city says, “This initiative taken by the BBMP is beneficial. We have enough and more deaths of people, which are caused by accidents. Although the good old ambulance is always there, the traffic in the city does not allows ambulances to reach people on time. Bikes are known to navigate much better on busy roads, so they are a better option atleast in terms of initial first aid and emergency care.”
City-based sociologist Dr Swati Mitra says, “I think it is important to assess the risks. Only then should such ideas be implemented. When accidents happen, I have noticed that most people around are not aware of the basic emergency care that needs to be taken to save a person’s life.
Factors like moving the person or tending to his /her immediate needs, which can save his or her life need to be taught to the average person. We should first focus on this and then go ahead with concepts like bike ambulances. Without which, I feel the whole idea falls flat. ”
