Hospital to put up SOS QR codes at Bengaluru traffic signals to help summon ambulances during medical emergencies

Besides traffic signals, the QR codes will be placed near institution gates, corporate buildings, school buses and yellow construction helmets for easy accessibility to medical help.

The HAL signal, MG Road, Trinity Circle, HSR layout among other major traffic signals will also house these codes.

The QR codes will be installed at key traffic intersections, apartments and a few vehicles for easy access during emergencies. Patients or their caregivers can easily scan these codes using their Android and iOS devices. iOS users can easily access the code through their device’s camera, while Android users can avail of the service through the Google Lens App.

The QR code will seamlessly provide real-time patient location information to the nearest Manipal Ambulance Response Service (MARS) and 108 ambulance team. These ambulances will be strategically stationed at various key points throughout the city.

Notably, Manipal Hospital’s commitment to this service extends beyond its own facility, as both MARS and 108 will transport patients to the nearest hospital.

Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said, “I personally appreciate and encourage this initiative. As much as 30 per cent of the deaths happen due to cardiac arrests. Immediate medical support during emergencies can be a matter of life and death. The SOS QR codes and CPR education programme will undoubtedly save lives and strengthen our community’s resilience.”

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “Being able to send a patient as soon as possible to the hospital is of prime importance to us in the government as well. The 108 ambulance service needs to be improved and there is no doubt about it. We are working closely with Manipal Hospitals to deploy these SOS QR codes at strategic locations, including the major traffic signals, as a part of our commitment to transform Bengaluru into a Heart Smart City.”

Manipal Hospitals has proposed to the state government to make CPR education mandatory at all education institutions and civic bodies. Parameshwara said he would take it up with the Ministry of Education. “This can be done. We will initiate this at the training schools of the police. We have 12 training academies to train the police and this CPR education can be included in their training manual,” he added.