108 Ambulances To Respond To Diwali Eye Injuries In Hyderabad

Hyderabad: With eye injuries likely to rise during Diwali celebrations, the ‘108’ ambulance service has introduced a dedicated response system for eye trauma cases, equipping ambulances with specialised kits and training emergency staff to provide first aid before referring patients to eye hospitals.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with EMRI Green Health Services and Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, aims to ensure timely treatment for eye injuries and reduce the risk of permanent vision loss. It will initially be implemented in Hyderabad.

As part of the programme, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) working in 108 ambulances have been trained to recognise eye injuries and provide initial care before transporting patients to specialised eye hospitals. The ambulances have also been equipped with dedicated eye trauma kits.

According to the initiative's organisers, patients take an average of four days to reach a hospital after sustaining an eye injury, potentially reducing their chances of recovering vision.

Under the programme, eye trauma will be added to the existing list of emergencies handled by the 108 Emergency Response Centre. Emergency Response Officers and emergency medical services instructors will also receive training in recognising and managing eye injuries.

Standard operating procedures will be developed for handling emergency calls, triaging patients and providing care before they reach a hospital. The programme will also involve collecting and evaluating data to assess its implementation and outcomes.

Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital will support the coordinated management of eye injuries and facilitate access to appropriate treatment within the public healthcare system.

Doctors advised people not to rub or apply pressure to an injured eye and to seek immediate medical attention following a firecracker-related injury.