Half a million calls made to Rescue 1122 last year

Even with traffic congestion, the emergency service maintained its 6 minutes response time, says DG.

PESHAWAR:

Rescue 1122 services will soon be extended to other districts of the province with the cooperation of the provincial government. Emergency Rescue Service Director General (DG) said this at an annual press briefing at the Rescue 1122 Headquarters on Thursday.

At the moment, the emergency service is limited to Peshawar and Mardan districts, shared DG Dr Asad Ali Khan.



He revealed Rescue 1122 received 0.5 million calls on its toll-free ‘1122’ number in 2013. Giving a partial breakdown, Khan said. Around 9,953 calls were made for medical emergencies, 4,787 for first aid requests, 4,670 calls for road traffic accidents, 607 for fires, 525 for petty crimes, 382 for drowning accidents, 102 for bomb blasts and 65 for building collapses. 11,939 calls were made to request moving a patient to a hospital.

The DG appreciated the services of Rescue 1122, “The staff successfully rendered professional and skilled services for the people of Peshawar and Mardan during emergencies.”

Even with heavy traffic, Rescue 1122 managed to maintain their standard average response time – 6 minutes, claimed Khan.

“Our province is on the front lines of conflict, the rescue staff has put their own lives at risk to protect the lives and properties of the public.” This department raise its own bar in providing facilities to citizens, he added.

Rescue 1122 Director Administration Dr Khateer Ahmad, Director Operation Dr Ayaz Ahmad, Deputy Director Operation Siraj Anwar and District Emergency Officer Dr Haris Habib were also present at the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2014.