108 now in Angul & Dhenkanal, Odisha

Now 108 Emergency services can be availed in Angul & Dhenkanal, 19 Ambulances were launched by the Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha- Shri Naveen Patnaik. To witness this launch over 500 people, media fraternity and govt officials were present.

108 Punjab organizes No Tobacco Day

108 Punjab organized No Tobacco Day as their another initiative to spread the awareness about 108 services. No Tobacco Day was organized in Industrial Training Institute, the seminar was addressed by SMO Dr Daler Singh who not only made the attendees aware on the ill effects of consuming tobacco but also spread awareness on how to avail services of 108 Ambulance.

Modern Medicare featured ZHL

One of the leading healthcare magazine Modern Medicare featured Dr Paresh Navalkar- Head, Pre Hospital Care in their June issue. Modern Medicare featured Dr Navalkar in their Insight & Outlook section which talks about Emergency Medical Services in India. The interview focuses on the evolution of EMS in India and how ZHL is adding difference to society by providing such service.

Unique contributions of women in emergency management

As a follow-up to our last month article, ‘During Emergency/Medical Scenario, does gender play an important role?’, in this article we try and share real-life examples how women have actually made a difference in saving and reforming lives in India.

First we need to understand how the socio-economic structure for a majority of women in India is different from Rest of the world.

In India, many women are vulnerable since:

1.       Have less access to resources – social networks and decision making.

2.       Have no permanent place in decision - making systems and they suffer
   traditional, routine and gratuitous gender -biased oppression.

3.      Are primarily responsible for domestic duties and thus do not have the liberty
  of  migrating to look for work.

4.       Have low visibility in society and attention to their needs is woefully  
  inadequate.

5.       Have less freedom and mobility to look for alternative sources of income.

Thus, in case of a calamity, equal representation of women in rescue teams allows the members to understand their problems better and the victims to express themselves better.

The results of the same are there for us to see:

Bhuj Gujrat Earthquake 2001: women’s groups underwent training to take on their role to motivate householders, build technical capacity, demonstrate collective arrangements, provide feedback, and monitor reconstruction.

As result,

Ø   250,000 households were involved in earthquake-safe construction in
Gujarat.

Ø   4,000 women and families took loans;

Ø    1,200 women started businesses, and livelihoods and assets were
stabilized. Communities organized for long-term development

Ø    Today, more than 800 women’s groups work on health, education, water, and sanitation in their communities.

In 1993 Latur Maharashtra earthquake, they contributed in repairing and strengthening of damaged houses

Women meths (work site supervisors) were employed in some villages in western Rajasthan as part of the drought relief project. In many cases, such as in the village of Urmul Setu, where CARE was working, initial opposition from male workers required the mediation of the concerned NGO. In general, record maintenance was better organized where women were employed and women workers felt much more comfortable discussing issues. Women meths were also able to resolve disputes congenially. The decision to include women meths has enabled women to enter a conventionally male domain and has facilitated the growth of new women leaders.

Have a Happy Monsoon!

The monsoon sure is a big welcome relief from the scorching summer sun. But the same brings with it, its own set of instructions to have a safe monsoon. Here are a few to be remembered and noted

Eating out:

While eating out, we must keep in mind that soups, pasta and other such food which are supposed to be served hot, must not be allowed to become lukewarm. Avoid ice-creams. The season is apt for hot bajjias, pakodis, samsosa so have your fill but don’t overdo it. Also do ensure that you carry your own water to avoid falling sick by drinking dirty water

Monsoon and Long Drives:

A drive on a rainy day can be really romantic but it also requires the driver to diligently follow some safety precautions. Be diligent in using your car’s headlights and taillights during monsoons and ensure your car is visible to other drivers following your car. A timely service of the vehicle also helps to a great extent.

Usage of umbrellas and rain coats:

At any case if we are not at home, we must make sure that we carry an umbrella or raincoat so that we can protect ourselves from rain and keep our nose safe from cold and our eyes from watering.

Say No to homemade papads and vadiyams:

The season hardly sees sunlight but these homemade food items need natural bright light to retain their typical crispiness and taste so avoid them in this season.

Avoid unnecessary usage of electricity:

Let us give some rest to all the ACs and fans so that we can conserve electricity which in turn can be used judiciously when required. As it is the best coolest season, try to be away from these luxuries and live a naturalistic life.

Increase the life of plants:

In case you have some small pot plants at home, it’s better to save them by taking them inside the home and giving them shelter. They need sufficient sunlight and water; therefore they cannot be exposed to the heavy rains.

Take care of your pets:

During monsoons, it is difficult for pets to spend their time outside even though they are used to it otherwise. Take good care of your pets especially in monsoons as it is the deadly combination of cold and wet.