Ambulances to be redesigned; neonatal and multi-patient vehicles on the cards

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: New ambulance designs and enhanced safety standards are being introduced to help reduce deaths caused by road accidents. The proposed changes include the introduction of neonatal ambulances for the rapid transport of newborns requiring emergency and specialised care, as well as multi-patient ambulances capable of carrying more than one patient at a time. Ambulances will also be equipped with rescue tools needed to save victims trapped in road accidents.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has prepared a draft report by incorporating recommendations from the Union Health Ministry. After seeking public feedback, amendments will be made to the national ambulance code, Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 125, covering ambulance design, construction and mandatory medical equipment.

The draft also recommends that ambulances should have trained medical personnel on board to provide emergency treatment, a high-capacity battery system to support medical equipment, and improved safety features to ensure maximum protection for patients during transit.

Studies have shown that nearly 50 per cent of road accident deaths can be prevented if patients receive medical intervention within the first hour after an accident. According to official estimates, an average of 170,000 people have died in accidents every year across the country over the past decade.

Ambulances to be integrated with hospitals

• GPS tracking and GIS mapping will be mandatory for all ambulances.
• Ambulances must be integrated with the national emergency response number, 112.
• The vehicles will be linked to healthcare facilities, referral centres, ambulance stations, accident-prone locations and hospitals with real-time bed availability to improve emergency response and patient care.