Lokmanya hospital conducts ambulance drills to raise awareness about ‘golden hour’ – ET HealthWorld

The golden hour is the first 60 minutes after the identification of a medical emergency, where there is the highest likelihood of saving the patient’s life with prompt medical and surgical treatment. The aim for the drill was to reach the healthcare destination in the shortest possible time which will be able to effectively save the patient’s life.

The hospital organized five ambulances for a seven day-drill which were driven around 10 km away from Lokmanya Hospital located at Senapati Bapat Marg in Pune. The ambulance drivers observed continued apathy from other vehicles on the road, taking the total time to 80 minutes from the usual 30 minutes to reach the hospital.

Ambulance mock drills ascertained various challenges and loopholes like ongoing roadside construction work, commercial and business activities in the areas leading to huge traffic during peak hours and lack of empathy that doesn’t allow the ambulances to pass by amongst the possible barriers in providing early healthcare services.

The hospital also launched a cath lab with advanced technology to expand its diagnostics wing.

Expanding on the aim behind conducting the drill to raise awareness about the need for early medical intervention in emergencies,Dr. Narenda Vadiya, MD Lokmanya Hospital said “Ambulance mock drill drive is one of the initiatives we have taken to create awareness among drivers and appeal them to giving away to an ambulance after hearing a siren and do not follow the ambulance. As a healthcare provider conducting such drives highlights a number of important aspects in the prevention of error and be prepared to avoid such circumstances.”

Experienced team of doctors leading the awareness drive included, cardiologists, interventional radiologist. The unit also had well trained nurses and dedicated support staff to cater to the needs of critical care cardiac patients.