On alert: Emergency posts to be set up along processions’ routes

Rescue 1122 to coordinate with hospital and police officials on Ashura.

ISLAMABAD:

Rescue 1122 officials will remain on alert on 9th and 10th Muharram, according to a press release issued by the emergency service.

Fourteen ambulances, nine fire vehicles, three rescue and recovery vehicles, two specialised fire trucks and 14 mobile rescue posts will move along with the Muharram processions in Rawalpindi, the press release stated. The mobile rescue posts will provide any immediate medical treatment or assistance to the mourners, if needed.

According to Rescue 1122, rescue posts will be established at Chityan Hatyan, Committee Chowk, Fatimia Imambargah at Hathi Chowk in Saddar, Qasr-e-Abu Talib in Tench Bata, Qasr-e-Shabbir in Dhoke Syedan, Imambargah Qasr-e-Sajjad in Mughalabad, Saaien Sadiq Muslim Town in Sadiqabad, Imambargah Qasr-e-Abbas on Tulsi Road near Tahli Mohri, Qasr-e-Abu Talib in Mughalabad, Imambargah Colonel Maqbool in Raja Bazaar and Imambargah Qasr-e-Hussain in Satellite Town.

Emergency officers including trained doctors will supervise rescue arrangements on 9th Muharram and Ashura. The emergency service is also working closely with hospitals and police officials. A counterterrorism cell has also been established, the release stated.



Rescue 1122 Director General Dr Rizwan Naseer reviewed arrangements for providing emergency medical cover to the processions during Muharram. He said such arrangements are essential for mass gatherings so any emergency can be responded to in an efficient manner.  He advised citizens to dial 1122 in case of any emergency.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2013.