‘Motorbike ambulances’ rolled out

KARACHI:

Emergency motorbikes equipped with life-saving medical tools have been rolled out in the metropolitan city.

These two-wheeler ambulances aim to address accidents in traffic jams and narrow streets, providing quick first aid to the injured within the metropolis.

The Sindh Health Department, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has supplied 25 emergency motorcycles to the Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services (1122).

Caretaker Health Minister Dr Saad Khalid Niaz received the bikes, complete with contemporary medical equipment, from the WHO and handed them over to 1122 at the EPI Centre.

Equipped with a fire extinguisher, mini medicine kit, 25 emergency bags, oxygen mask, pulse oximeter, glucometer, oxygen cylinder key, nasal cannula, polyneck hard collar, stethoscope, CPR mask, nebulizer, and dressing kit, these motorbike ambulances promise a rapid response.

They are designed to reach patients within a 5 to 8-minute timeframe, delivering quick treatment or transporting them to the nearest ambulance.

While addressing a press conference on Thursday, the caretaker health minister said that these bikes and equipment form a rapid response force, addressing areas lacking conventional vehicles.

With the current program having 371 emergency bikes but requiring 1,100, Dr Niaz suggested the WHO establish its accountability framework to ensure proper utilisation of supplies.

Dr Sara, head of WHO Sindh, highlighted that paramedical staff would undergo 15-day training.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are set to take these emergency bikes out on the streets for 3 to 6 months, along with training in early April.

Rescue 1122 authorities clarified that the primary responsibility is to quickly assist people affected by accidents or medical emergencies in congested traffic, narrow lanes, or remote locations.

Despite appearing as typical heavy motorcycles, these vehicles are, in fact, ambulances equipped with modern medical equipment and technology.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2024.