Apollo Hospitals launches 2-wheeler ambulance service in Chennai

Apollo Hospitals Group (Apollo) has launched a nation-wide two-wheeler ambulance service called 'Apollo First' to reach essential medical care during the 'golden hour' post accidents.

Chennai police commissioner R Nataraj, along with Prathap Reddy, chairman of Apollo, flagged off the first set of Apollo First two-wheelers in the city on Sunday. The day also marked Reddy's 72nd birthday and the hospitals' Founder's Day.

"There are thousands of automobiles blocking the traffic, resulting in time being lost. The two-wheeler ambulance can attend to the immediate needs, while the four-wheeler ambulance follows if there is further assistance required," said Prathap Reddy. The emergency first-aid service will be provided at no cost.

Each Apollo First ambulance will be equipped with in-built splints to immobilise broken bones and stabilise cervical spine (the area most susceptible part to injury in a road accident). It also has a oxygen cylinder and a breathing bag to assist during the life saving process.

In addition, it will carry a suction apparatus, to facilitate clearing the mouth and throat of any obstructing material like blood or vomit. The ambulance will be manned by a paramedic and a male nurse who will carry life-saving drugs and materials as well.

The service will be available in Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi and Kolkata. High-risk accident zones have been identified in these cities in order to position the two-wheeler ambulances. The national network of emergency services at Apollo has laid the road map for expanding the network of the two-wheeler ambulance services being provided.

The Apollo First services can be availed by calling the Apollo emergency number 1066. In the last five years Apollo's 1066 emergency services have treated over 50,000 seriously injured or ill individuals.