In a bid to curb the rising number of fatalities due to road accidents on the state highways, the government has started the service of well-equipped ambulances under the Emergency Medical Research Institute (EMRI) scheme on a trial basis, to provide immediate medical treatment to injured persons while being carried to the hospital.
The number of people killed in road accidents on state highways has increased from 10,718 in 2011 till October to 10,754 in 2012 till October.
Responding to the rising figures, additional director-general of Maharashtra state highway police (traffic), Vijay Kamble said, “Many of these deaths can be prevented if immediate medical treatment is provided to those injured in these accidents. Also, 75 per cent fatal accidents are caused due to the error of the motorists. They should not drive for long hours continuously without a nap and must all adhere to the traffic rules.”
Mr Kamble said that the EMRI has been made operational on a trial basis. Under the scheme, about 937 amb-ulances will be operational by early 2013.
A senior home department official, who did not wish to be named, said, “The ambulances that we currently have are not fit to be called ambulances. Under EMRI the ambulances will include defibrillators, technicians and BMS or BUMS doctors. They will rush to the spot within a few minutes and ensure that the injured receive immediate medical treatment within an hour while being rushed to a hospital.”
The Maharashtra state highway police (traffic) has also proposed that more police chowkies, manpower and enforcement equipment be provided.