Rescue workers in Punjab put on high alert

Rescue 1122 DG appealed to the citizens to dial 1122 in case of an emergency

LAHORE: Punjab Emergency Service Director General Dr Rizwan Naseer reviewed the state of emergency preparedness at all the districts of Punjab and community emergency response teams (CERTs) at the union council level.

All the wings of the service had been put on high alert and leaves of all rescue workers have been cancelled to provide timely emergency services in case of an emergency situation in the country.

Operations Head Ayaz Aslam briefed DG Rescue 1122 that ambulance, rescue, and fire services have been placed on high alert in all 36 districts of the province. About10,190 rescue workers have been deputed in order to ensure prompt response to emergencies and disasters.

He stated that 762 ambulances, 294 fire vehicles, 63 rescue vehicles, 34 special vehicles, 756 boats, and 900 motorbike ambulances are on high alert.

He further briefed that the emergency response and management plans chalked out by all district emergency officers in consultation with all stakeholders in district emergency board meetings for effective and efficient management of any incident are being executed.

The Special Mobile Rescue posts are providing optimum emergency cover in case of an emergency in Lahore and Sialkot. The Provincial Monitoring Cell at Rescue Headquarters are operational round the clock to ensure effective implementation of district emergency plans.

Community Safety and Information Head Deeba Shahnaz said that 4,048 CERTs comprising 67,703 rescue scouts (local volunteers) at Union Council level had also been put on high alert and closely working with rescue teams in all districts to make the emergency management plans more effective and pragmatic. She added that CERTs had been given the specific task of early warning dissemination, assist in the evacuation phase, help in locating trapped victims and assist in camp setting and management in case of an emergency.

Rescue 1122 director general directed officials that close coordination must be maintained with districts, tehsils headquarter hospitals for better management of victims. He appreciated the rescue workers who are sacrificing their leaves and performing emergency duties due to the current situation. He further directed them to exhibit high spirits of professionalism and render exemplary services to humanity in a dedicated and committed manner. He also appealed to the citizens to immediately dial 1122 in case of an emergency, as the only timely call can ensure timely rescue.