Manipal Hospitals, one of India’s leading healthcare service providers, launched its “Salute the Real Heroes” campaign to honor ambulance drivers for their vital role in the healthcare system, marking a significant step in honoring the unsung heroes. The occasion was planned in honor of World Ambulance Day, which is observed on January 8th worldwide each year. Leading cardiologists, neurologists, and emergency room specialists from various departments of Manipal Hospitals in Kolkata participated in the lively discussions and offered their insightful opinions on the significance of these programs and the value of Basic Life Support (BLS) training for ambulance drivers.

The event was attended by eminent doctors from Manipal Hospitals like Dr. P.K. Hazra, Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, Dr. Apratim Chatterjee, Consultant, Neurologist, Manipal Hospital, Broadway, Dr. Vikash Kapoor, Vice Chairman, Group Director, Joint Replacement and Arthroscopic Surgeon, Medica Institute of Orthopedic Sciences, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (A unit of Manipal Hospitals), Dr. Nirmalya Ray, Consultant, Neuro Interventional Radiologist, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (A unit of Manipal Hospitals), and Dr. Ayanabh DebGupta, Regional COO, Manipal Hospitals (East).

Almost one in two heart attack victims in India reach the hospital over 400 minutes after their symptoms start. This delay is over 13 times longer than the ideal window of 30 minutes. Medical experts stress that if treatment is not received after 18 minutes of a cardiac arrest, the body may suffer irreversible damage from a lack of blood flow. Given that ambulance drivers are frequently the first responders in life-threatening situations, this emphasizes how important BLS training is to saving lives.

The event started with training sessions led by Dr. Indranil Das, Head of Emergency at Medica Superspecialty Hospital (A unit of Manipal Hospitals), Dr. Kishen Goel, Head of Emergency at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, Dr. Sujoy Das Thakur, Head of Emergency at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur and Dr. Ashok Kumar Mishra Head of Emergency at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria.

To properly handle medical emergencies, the ambulance drivers underwent extensive training in vital life-saving skills like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). They learned how to spot the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes and how crucial it is to take patients to hospitals equipped with necessary diagnostic tools like CT or MRI scanners and catheterization labs. Experienced medical professionals delivered the training, which also covered the need for drivers to adhere to emergency protocols so they can treat patients in a fast and suitable manner.

To recognize the life-saving efforts of ambulance drivers and to improve the personal well-being of the drivers and their families, Manipal Hospitals has developed a comprehensive wellness program. Manipal Hospitals has announced various programs, including family gatherings, excursions, and workshops, to honor ambulance drivers and their families in keeping with the “Salute the Real Heroes” campaign. Children of ambulance drivers will receive educational support from Manipal Hospitals. Additionally, neurology-led workshops will be held to help the kids do better academically. The ambulance drivers and their families will receive health cards as part of the wellness program. These cards will be essential in helping them pay for their medical bills and guaranteeing that they have access to high-quality care.

Priyanka Dutta