Debate broke out on social media on Karachi’s ‘Cycle Ambulance’, viral video raised questions; The whole truth of the plan came out

New Delhi .Bicycle Ambulance Service of Karachi city of Pakistan has become a topic of discussion on social media these days. After a video went viral, many people gave different reactions considering it to be a new plan. Some people satirized it by comparing it to modern air ambulances and advanced emergency services, while many stressed the need to understand the real purpose of this initiative. After the video went viral, widespread discussion started regarding this service.

Actually, the cycle ambulance which is being introduced as a new initiative is part of a special project already running. Its objective is not to become a substitute for normal ambulances, but to provide fast first aid in those areas where big ambulances cannot reach on time due to heavy traffic, narrow streets or crowding. In such areas, the first few minutes are considered very important for the patient and this model was developed keeping this need in mind.

Necessary medical equipment for first aid has been provided in this cycle ambulance. These include first aid kit, oxygen support, nebulizer, blood sugar testing equipment and other necessary medical supplies. Trained rescue workers first reach the spot on bicycles and provide first aid to the patient. If the situation is serious, then parallelly a normal ambulance is also sent to the spot, so that the patient can be taken to the hospital as soon as possible.

In a big metropolis like Karachi, there are many areas where the roads are narrow and there is heavy traffic throughout the day. In such places, conventional ambulances may take a long time to reach the spot. Keeping this challenge in mind, this system was prepared so that the delay in emergency medical aid can be reduced and the patient can get initial treatment on time.

A specialty of this initiative is that participation of trained women volunteers has also been ensured. They have been trained in first aid, emergency response and initial patient care. It also aims to promote community participation as well as make emergency services more effective.

After the video went viral on social media, many people reacted to this arrangement without complete information. Later, when information about its purpose and functioning came to light, many people believed that such a system could prove practical and useful in crowded areas. While some people called it a positive effort towards improving urban emergency services.

In many countries of the world, bicycle or motorcycle based emergency response units are also used in congested areas, old cities and narrow streets. Their main objective is to reach the patient first and provide first aid. This initiative of Karachi is also based on the same thinking, whose aim is to help save lives of people by providing timely medical aid in difficult situations.