GUWAHATI, Sept 21 - With the ensuing Durga Puja festivities less than a week away, the GVK EMRI 108 Mrityunjoy Emergency Service has geared up its preparedness for the expected rise in emergencies.
�We anticipate 1,400 to 1,600 emergency calls from the current average of 1,380 emergency calls per day from around September 27 to 30. Similarly, we anticipate road traffic accidents (RTAs) to the volume of 80 to 130 cases against the current average of 55 RTAs per day,� Mrityunjoy officials said at a press conference here today.
Assault cases can also rise to 30-34 cases from the current figure of 18 assault cases per day, while food poisoning cases could see an increase (in drug/poisoning cases) up to 30-35 cases. Acute abdomen cases might be to the volume of 200-230 cases, which is approximately a 40 per cent increase from the current normal.
�These facts and figures are based on availed cases during last year which can be treated as an indicator for the State,� the officials said.
On the enhanced preparedness levels, the officials said that there had been a rearrangement of manpower in emergency response centres to cope with the high call flow during peak hours. �Dynamic placement of ambulances is planned near major emergency-prone areas to reach faster. In case the time to reach the scene is beyond 15 minutes, then the EMT will keep the caller informed about the expected time of arrival,� they added.
Areas under the corresponding police stations where accidents happened last year have been provided with ambulances, which will be kept on maximum alert during this period. Police officials and hospital authorities will also be kept informed about the various support functions required.
The officials added that during the festive days, the people should treat the 108 Mrityunjoy ambulance team as their fellow brothers and sisters or as their friends �as they will be on emergency duties while all of us will be in a festive mood.�
�In case of any complaints, instead of assaulting the ambulance crew, the public are requested to lodge complaints by dialling 108. To give way to the ambulance on the move, one should refrain from making any hoax or prank calls. One should also complain if bribe is demanded,� the officials added.