Express Health Care Magazine featured Praveen Menezes

Express Health Care magazine the publication arm of The Indian Express Group featured Praveen Menezes: National Head 1298 in their July issue. The interview focused on how the Outsourcing of Ambulances is a boon to the hospitals and how 1298 offers  end to end emergency management system in the form of outsourced ambulances.

Ambulance Rally @ 108 Punjab

First time ever in the history of ZHL an Ambulance rally was organized @ 108 Punjab on 27 July. 3 Ambulances were drove from Zirakpur to Lalru Plaza spreading awareness about 108 Services and how it is beneficial in Medical Emergencies. The Ambulance Crew also distributed 108 stickers at Poll Plaza to the passerby and educated them on how to avail the services of 108. This activity was covered by My FM 94.3, daily journals making it a big hit.

Emergency Medical Services – Knowledge is Power

It is terms like ‘The Golden Hour’ and the ‘Platinum Ten Minutes’ that typify the importance of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) all over the world. It is a well-accepted fact that a patient who receives basic care from trained professionals and is transported to the nearest healthcare facility within 15-20 minutes of an emergency has the greatest chance of survival. Emergency Medical Response Service is an essential part of the overall healthcare system as it saves lives by providing care immediately. It’s this recognition that has led to research and development in EMS. Over the years several advancements have been made and research is underway to create services that provide medical assistance to patients at the earliest. However, the state of EMS varies drastically from developed to developing countries like India.

Though the services have improved tremendously over the past decade, Awareness of the available services and preparedness are key issues among the general public. People also need to take initiative in knowing about the services being provided by available EMS. Indeed, an EMS that people are not aware of is as good as non-existent. For example, were you aware that companies like Ziqitza Health Care Limited have tied up with the government to make these services available to the general public thus using Public Private Partnership for common good. It has been operating Patient Transfer (Ambulance) services under the Dial 1298 for Ambulance model and Emergency Medical Response Service under the Dial 108 for Emergency model across the country for the past 7 years.

How does it work?

Dial 108 - an Emergency Medical Response Service initiative is a Public Private Partnership with State Governments, this could be either free to patient or on a user fees as per the contract with State Government. The service is provided to emergency victims. Currently ZHL is operating Ambulances under PPP model across the states of Kerala, Bihar, Odisha, Rajasthan and Punjab.

And Dial 1298 – a Patient Transfer Service is a Service model with cross subsidy, where the rich and affordable pays higher and the poor pays less, and for very poor/accidents/emergencies the service is free of cost. Currently this service is operational in the city of Mumbai, Punjab, Bihar and Kerala.

At a time when accidents are on the rise and the emphasis on preventing damage is greater than ever, the provision of pre-hospital care will be the key to ensure that lives are not lost due to avoidable circumstances.

About Ziqitza Health Care Limited

ZHL had been set up with a vision to assist in saving human lives by providing a leading network of fully equipped Advanced and Basic Life Support Ambulances across the developing world. ZHL is currently operating 860 Ambulances across Mumbai, Bihar, Kerala, Punjab, Odisha and Rajasthan. ZHL has reputed investors like Acumen Fund, GMR/AMR (USA largest Ambulance Company), HDFC, IDFC and India Value Fund on board.

ZHL’s Strategic Partners include London Ambulance Service, Life Supporters Institute of Health Science and New York Presbyterian Emergency Medical Service (NYP-EMS). Since inception ZHL has served more than 16,00,000 people across India. The vast experience ZHL has in this service and the processes they follow helps them to maintain high quality standards in the service industry. 

Steve Murphy visited 108 Bihar

Steve Murphy: President Global Medical Response visited 108 Bihar office on 25 July on his India visit. 108 Bihar hosted Steve's visit to their office by taking him over the operations of Bihar. Steve Murphy also met Health Secretary and Executive Director- State Health Society. Steve in his brief meeting with State Health Society discussed the importance of increasing Ambulances in the state.

Demo Camp @ 108 Rajsthan

Over 100 ICDS and Ashyoginins were educated on the services provided by 108 Rajasthan in the demo camp organized by 108 team. 108 Rajasthan crew also spread the word on few basic tips on how to take care in monsoon. Ashayoginis and ICDS workers thanked 108 Rajasthan team for educating them with useful information.

An example of Honesty: 108 Punjab

An example of honestly was displayed by 108 Punjab crew on 18 July, in a road mishap over 10 people were injured when their mini bus met with an accident. 108 Punjab immediately dispatched 2 Ambulances to the spot, not only the injured people were given immediate First Aid but cash amount of 1.5 lacs was also returned to the patient.

108 Ambulance crew's honesty has definitely increased the trust among 

people in Punjab.

Demo and Health Camp @ 108 Punjab

The best way to spread the awareness is to reach out to untap market, 108 Punjab organized a demo and awareness camp for Truck Drivers Union. Over 100 truck drivers were educated on the importance of safe driving along with the importance of Emergency Medical Response Service. A small medical check up was also done for the drivers. The truck drivers appreciated the work done by 108 Punjab.

15 simple precautions during rainy season for an event-free travel

According to statistics in the recently released report titled Accidental Death and Suicides in India (ADSI 2011), prepared by the National Crime Records Bureau, Chennai has recorded the highest number of road accidents at a staggering 9,845 cases in the year 2011.

Followed by Chennai is Delhi, distant second with 6,065 road accidents, while Bangalore clocked 6,031.The statistics in the report also point out that motorists need to be more vigilant during the dark hours and not resort to rash or drunken driving. The largest number of accidents occurs between 9 pm and midnight (1,626), while the period between 3 pm and 6pm comes close (1,614). Accidents were also highest in the seven-month period between March and September. Source: IBN Live)

In such conditions, small precautions taken in the rainy season can go a long way in leading a safe life. Smart Motorist offers the following suggestions for safer driving in wet weather. In stormy conditions, it is more difficult to see other vehicles, road signs and the road itself. Hence, it is critical to make sure you can see and be seen.

·         First and foremost: slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet       

       weather.

·         Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

·         Maintain proper distance (3 Second Rule), this needs to be increased in   

       wet weather.

·         Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.

·         Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their  

       large tires reduces your vision.                                           

       Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly   

       and safely.

·         Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for 

       brake lights in front of you.

·         Avoid using your brakes; if possible, take your foot off the accelerator to 

       slow down.

·         Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or 

        overcast conditions. Not only do they              

        help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. If your car 

        has daytime running lights you still should put them on, so vehicles      

        behind you can see you better.

·        Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle wipers.

·        Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. At night rainy roads become  

      especially treacherous. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain 

      on your windscreen, can cause temporary loss of visibility while  

      substantially increasing driver fatigue. In rainy conditions pedestrians, 

     livestock, and wildlife are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid.

·        Never drive through moving water if you can't see the ground through it; 

       your car could be swept off the road.

·        Avoid splashing pedestrians.

·       Foggy windows - Rain or high humidity can quickly cause windows to  

      mist up inside the car. In a car equipped with air conditioning, turn up the 

      heat and direct the airflow to your defrosters with the AC switch engaged.

·      In case of the breakdown ensure to call the toll/helpline number displayed on the highway

Last but not the least - Slow down! This should be obvious but it also very important. People are so used to driving certain speeds on certain roads that sometimes they forget the need to slow down when inclement weather presents itself.

The author Dr. Vijay Kumar Reddy is an expert and veteran in Emergency Medical Respons Services & is the Head –Pre Hospital Care of Ziqitza Health Care Limited, pioneer in the field of Emergency Medical Services.

EHealth Magazine featured ZHL

One of the upcoming health magazines EHealth magazine in their July issue featured Ziqitza Health Care Limited in the section Emergency Medical Services. The article talks about the journey of ZHL and how the services are being accepted and used by people in medical situations across Inda.

Bollywood entry of 108 Punjab

108 Punjab embarked a new journey with the new opportunity to feature in the upcoming movie 'Mere Dad ki Maruti'. 108 Punjab deployed 2 Ambulances for the movie shoot in one of the movie sequel. Over 2000 people saw the shoot of this movie. The crew of 'Mere Dad ki Maruti' appreciated the work done by 108 Punjab in saving lives.

FRP Training @ 108 Kerala

108 Kerala's commitment to equip everyone with the knowledge of First Responder Training started with St Mary's Higher Secondary School. Over 45 police cadets and 50 students participated in this FRP Training. The session was inaugurated by Mr Pramod Kumar: Circle Inspector of Police. Looking at the enthusiasm of the students 108 Kerala team was highly motivated t eep organizing such training.