Emergency calls surge by over 10,000 in Sahiwal

Service also faces staggering number of irrelevant calls

CHICHAWATNI:

The Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 in Sahiwal received 10,864 more emergency calls in 2024 as compared to 2023.

During a meeting chaired by District Emergency Officer Dr Khalid Abdullah, it was disclosed that the service received a total of 315,730 calls in 2024, of which 75,580 were emergency calls. However, the service also faced a staggering number of irrelevant calls, totalling 240,150, an increase of 17,553 from the prior year.

Dr Abdullah emphasized the importance of the service's "Standard Response Time," which enabled emergency teams to provide medical assistance to thousands of affected individuals.

The team successfully offered initial medical care to 74,359 patients, who were then transported to nearby hospitals, while 37,779 individuals received on-site medical assistance.

The significant rise in irrelevant calls, including a large number of bogus calls, is concerning.

Dr Abdullah appealed to the media and the public to raise awareness about the negative impact of such calls on emergency services.

He stressed that unnecessary calls could hinder timely assistance to those in genuine need, potentially risking lives. "Rescue 1122 is an emergency number. Keeping it occupied without reason could cost someone their life," he warned.

The meeting also highlighted the annual performance of the motorcycle ambulance service, which effectively handled 36,865 emergencies with an impressive response time of 3.47 minutes. Of these, 29,517 patients received first aid, and 8,020 were transferred to nearby hospitals after receiving initial care.

Dr Abdullah praised the dedication and hard work of all rescuers during key events throughout the year, including Eid celebrations, Ashura, and Christmas.

He expressed confidence that Sahiwal's rescuers would continue to serve with the same enthusiasm in 2025, contributing to the establishment of a safe society.