Hyderabad's 108 ambulances add eye-injury response ahead of Diwali
Telangana's 108 service has equipped Hyderabad ambulances with eye trauma kits and trained EMTs to give first aid for firecracker eye injuries.
The 108 emergency ambulance service in Hyderabad has introduced a dedicated response system for eye trauma cases ahead of Diwali, when firecracker-related eye injuries are expected to rise, according to a Deccan Chronicle report.
The initiative was launched with EMRI Green Health Services and Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital. It will initially be implemented in Hyderabad.
- Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) on 108 ambulances have been trained to recognise eye injuries and give initial care before taking patients to specialised eye hospitals.
- Ambulances have been equipped with dedicated eye trauma kits.
- Eye trauma will be added to the list of emergencies handled by the 108 Emergency Response Centre, and response officers and EMS instructors will also be trained.
- Standard operating procedures will be developed for handling calls, triaging patients and providing care before arrival at hospital, and data will be collected to assess the programme.
According to the organisers, patients take an average of four days to reach a hospital after an eye injury, which can reduce the chances of recovering vision. Doctors advised people not to rub or press an injured eye and to seek immediate medical attention after a firecracker injury.
Why it matters for ambulance owners and drivers
- EMT training in eye-injury first aid is being added to the 108 service in Hyderabad.
- Ambulances carry a new kit for this type of emergency.
Read the full report at the source: Deccan Chronicle
This is a summary written by the Ambulance Owner Association. The facts are from the source named above.