Lifesaving Wheels: J&K Introduces 102/108 Ambulance Service, Transforming Emergency?Response!

Have you ever had the chance to explore the captivating area of Jammu and Kashmir? This earthly heaven is renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery and peaceful allure, characterized by towering mountains and calm lakes that reflect the magnificence of nature.

However, the area's capricious climate and demanding landscape can occasionally present hazards to its residents, making the availability of urgent healthcare services essential for their protection and health. BVG India, Under Department of Health and Medical Education Jammu & Kashmir and State Health Society National Health Mission J&K runs the ambulance services, commonly referred to as the 102/108 Ambulance service. This indispensable service spans both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, surmounting geographical obstacles to deliver critical aid to those who require it.?

I take great pride in the fact that the Dial 102 ambulance service offers free transportation under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) Scheme. This initiative is specifically dedicated to the care of pregnant women and includes transportation from home to healthcare institutions, between different healthcare facilities, and providing a drop-back service back home.

The service commenced on March 24, 2020, covering Population covered in 20 Districts of about 1, 22, 67,013 during a period of national lockdown due to the Covid pandemic. While there was fear in the air, our courageous yoddhas had embraced the challenges and prioritized humanity and been serving the people from Rural, hilly, and tribal area of J&K.

Over 900 Medical Emergency professionals, Para Medicos and Field Administrative Staff, Drivers are serving under Bharat Vikas Group for providing the ambulatory services across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir along with a fleet of 489 ambulances, including 139 Advanced Life Support and 64 Basic Life Support vehicles, JKEMS is well-equipped to handle emergencies. Additionally, 286 Transport Ambulances fitted with Vehicle Tracking Management Systems (VTMS) offering free transportation, ensuring seamless transfers between government health institutions and home.

As of now, the emergency response centre has received a total of 27,80,310 calls, including 24,97,982 non-emergency calls and 2,82,320 emergency calls. Additionally, a cumulative count of 2,67,060 patients have been attended and provided with high-quality hospital care since the service's inception.

BVG India has a skilled team of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Pilots. They operate throughout J&K and Ladakh (U.T) within the 108/102 EMS toll free framework, offering assistance to those who require it. An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) operates within the Life Support Ambulances and is tasked with delivering Pre Hospital Care during the critical golden hours. EMTs have undergone training on procedures and guidelines for handling Medical, Trauma, and Environmental Emergencies, which have received prior approval from the J&K Health Department. Till date, approximately 833 deliveries have been successfully assisted by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) both inside ambulances and at the scene, ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the newborn.?

A Pilot is an individual responsible for operating the ambulance, ensuring that it arrives at the scene of the incident as quickly as possible. They have received training in safe driving practices and basic first aid techniques to assist the EMTs during emergencies. While our primary focus is to offer assistance to those in distress, we also regularly conduct awareness camps. During these sessions, we educate people on fundamental life-saving skills such as CPR and Pre Hospital Emergency Trauma Care Training.

A key factor in the success of emergency services is response time. When a call is received at the 102/108 emergency response centre, the nearest ambulance is dispatched to the location provided by the caller. However, in cases where the caller is unable to provide an accurate location, BVG India Limited has partnered with what3words , a global addressing technology that has divided the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares, each with a unique what3words address.

Through the use of this cutting-edge technology, our emergency response centre can swiftly identify the exact location of the caller and send help promptly. When a call is received at BVG's emergency response centre, the operator immediately sends a message to the caller, asking them to repeat the three words from the message. As the caller relays these words, their precise location is identified, facilitating the immediate deployment of help. Furthermore, the caller's information is relayed to the doctor onboard the ambulance, providing them with an initial understanding of the patient's situation before they arrive at the scene.

Any contribution made towards the welfare of these regions is always a source of immense pride regardless of the challenging conditions presented by their rugged and snow-covered difficult terrain. We also extend our care and support to pilgrims during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. In the year 2022, we provided assistance to a total of 533 pilgrims during the yatra.

To sum up, the unwavering commitment of our JKEMS team, and advanced technology, we are capable of addressing the particular challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh by providing indispensable aid to those in need. As we continue to serve these communities with dedication, our top priority remains safeguarding their health and welfare.