Pune: Ambulances on standby during Anant Chaturdashi immersion processions
In the Pune district, the MEMS has 41 ambulances in the PMC and PCMC areas. These vehicles are fitted with Advance Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) facilities.
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The crowd at the Tulshibaug Ganpati mandal in Pune on Thursday. (Express photo by Pavan Khengre) A total of 23 ambulances run by Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) will remain on standby along the main Ganesh idol immersion route in Pune on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi Thursday (September 28). Due to large crowds, there are chances of emergencies taking place and hence the MEMS has a major role in handling all types of medical cases happening during the processions, officials said.
In the Pune district, the MEMS has 41 ambulances in the PMC and PCMC areas. These vehicles are fitted with Advance Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) facilities.
In the last nine years, MEMS ambulances served nearly 823 emergency patients during the Ganesh festival in the Pune district. Medical teams have also provided on-scene treatment to as many as 3,639 patients.
On September 28, ambulances will be deployed along the procession route at Vijay Talkies Chowk, Belbaug Chowk, Alka Chowk, and Tilak Chowk and at major immersion ghats in Pune City and Pimpri-Chinchwad. A similar deployment was made for Ganesh idol immersion on September 23 and September 25 and at least 149 patients were served by these ambulances. Of the total emergency calls, the majority were related to chest pain and difficulty in breathing.
“MEMS recognised the unique challenges posed by crowded areas during Ganesh immersion. To address this, one of our key initiatives involved comprehensive first responders training for dedicated volunteers and Bike Ambulance staff. These specially trained individuals were equipped with first aid kits, enabling them to respond swiftly to medical emergencies at the incident site. This proactive approach empowered the MEMS to respond effectively to unforeseen situations… in densely populated areas,” Dr Dnyaneshwar Shelke, the chief operating officer of BVG India Limited – which operates the MEMS Dial 108 ambulance service, told The Indian Express.
“These bike ambulance staff will be strategically positioned to navigate through crowded streets and provide immediate assistance to victims in need. Their ability to reach the scene quickly and administer vital first aid proved invaluable in ensuring the safety and well-being of festival-goers,” said Dr Meghana Zende, head of Medical Training, BVG India Limited.
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