Tapash Roy: In a significant move to honour overlooked individuals, Manipal Hospitals, one of India’s premier healthcare providers, launched its “Salute the Real Heroes” campaign today, aiming to acknowledge the vital contributions of ambulance drivers to the healthcare system. This initiative coincides with World Ambulance Day, celebrated globally every January 8th. The event featured enlightening sessions with renowned cardiologists, neurologists, and ER specialists from all branches of Manipal Hospitals in Kolkata, who shared their expertise on the importance of such recognition and the critical need for Basic Life Support (BLS) training for ambulance personnel.
The event saw participation from distinguished medical figures, including Dr. P.K. Hazra, an Interventional Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria; Dr. Apratim Chatterjee, Consultant Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Broadway; Dr. Vikash Kapoor, Vice Chairman and Group Director of Joint Replacement and Arthroscopic Surgery at Medica Institute of Orthopedic Sciences, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a unit of Manipal Hospitals); Dr. Nirmalya Ray, Consultant Neuro Interventional Radiologist at Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a unit of Manipal Hospitals); and Dr. Ayanabh DebGupta, Regional COO, Manipal Hospitals (East).
In India, nearly half of heart attack patients arrive at hospitals more than 400 minutes after the onset of symptoms, a delay that far exceeds the optimal 30-minute window by over 13 times. Medical experts stress that after 18 minutes of a cardiac arrest, without prompt intervention, irreversible damage can occur due to inadequate blood flow. This highlights the indispensable role of BLS training in safeguarding lives, particularly since ambulance drivers are often the initial responders during emergencies.
The event commenced 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. Ambulance drivers were imparted critical life-saving skills, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), to handle medical crises effectively. They were educated on identifying stroke and heart attack symptoms and the importance of transporting patients to hospitals equipped with vital diagnostic tools like CT or MRI machines and catheterization labs. The training also emphasized the significance of adhering to emergency protocols, ensuring that drivers deliver prompt and appropriate medical care.
In addition, Manipal Hospitals has established an all-encompassing wellness plan to recognize the pivotal role of ambulance drivers in saving lives while improving the well-being of both the drivers and their families. As part of the “Salute the Real Heroes” initiative, the hospitals have introduced a range of programs, such as family gatherings, recreational outings, and workshops, to honor the efforts of ambulance drivers and their families. Educational support will also be provided to the children of ambulance drivers, including career guidance sessions conducted by educators to assist in their career choices. Seminars led by neurologists will be organized to enhance the children’s academic performance by improving memory retention. As part of the wellness program, health cards will be distributed to ambulance drivers and their families, helping cover medical costs and ensuring access to quality healthcare.
Dr. P.K. Hazra, an esteemed Interventional Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, remarked, “In India, delays in medical care are a major contributor to poor health outcomes, with more than half of cardiac arrest patients arriving at hospitals after critical delays. In such instances, timely medical intervention becomes paramount, particularly in emergencies such as cardiac arrests or accidents. By imparting Basic Life Support (BLS) training, we enable individuals to act as immediate responders, potentially averting countless fatalities. Manipal Hospitals is dedicated to cultivating a cadre of trained personnel capable of effectively mitigating life-threatening crises.”
Dr. Vikash Kapoor, Vice Chairman, Group Director, and Joint Replacement and Arthroscopic Surgeon at Medica Institute of Orthopedic Sciences, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a unit of Manipal Hospitals), stated, “In the pivotal moments of a medical emergency, a well-trained individual can distinguish between life and death. Through the ‘Salute the Real Heroes’ initiative, we are equipping individuals with critical BLS training, thereby enhancing their capacity to offer timely care during crises. However, we also recognize that their profound contribution extends beyond their professional duties. Therefore, we are prioritizing their holistic well-being through programs such as family engagement, educational counseling, and health cards. By supporting both their professional growth and personal welfare, we aim to empower them to continue their invaluable service with renewed confidence and pride.”
Dr. Apratim Chatterjee, Consultant Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Broadway, commented, “Ambulance drivers often serve as the first line of response in medical emergencies, such as strokes, heart attacks, and accidents. Their swift decision-making and efficiency can significantly influence patient survival, especially within the ‘golden hour,’ a critical window for life-saving intervention. With this initiative, Manipal Hospitals seeks to equip these unsung heroes with indispensable skills and extend vital support to their families.”
Dr. Ayanabh Deb Gupta, Regional COO of Manipal Hospitals (East), asserted, “At Manipal Hospitals, we believe in recognizing the foundational pillars of healthcare who play a crucial role by transporting patients to medical facilities. They often remain in the background, unnoticed and unacknowledged. Through this initiative, we aim to bring their contributions into the spotlight, ensuring that people recognize the importance of these drivers and their pivotal role in the healthcare system. Furthermore, we aim to train them comprehensively, so they are not only well-informed but also able to guide patients’ families. At Manipal, we are committed to developing a robust network of ambulance drivers equipped with the knowledge to manage emergencies while transporting patients. We will also collaborate to provide educational and healthcare support for their families, as we believe that empowering them both professionally and personally will enhance their confidence and elevate their capacity to contribute further to society.”
