The Kerala Emergency Medical Service ‘108' ambulances have managed to touch the lives of about 15,000 people in their difficult times so far.

This figure is effective from May 2010 when the ambulance service went on stream in the Capital city.

The free ambulance service is managed by the Mumbai-based Ziqitza Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Mr Nijil Ibrahim, Head-Kerala, for Ziqitza said here.

In the past one year, the ambulance service has attended to emergencies ranging from 5,566 road accidents; 2,247 hear-related emergencies; and 1,223 respiratory system-related cases; 1,605 unconscious patients; 366 blood pressure patients; 244 diabetics; 486 cases of pregnancy; 136 of cancer-afflicted; 431 cases of poisoning; 224 brain haemorrhage cases and 95 burns cases.

The ‘108' ambulances are equipped with modern equipment to address any kind of emergency, Mr Ibrahim said.

The free service can be availed by calling the toll-free number ‘108.'

On making the call, the company's call centre in Technopark campus will identify the ambulance closest to the location of the call through its GPS system and will reach the spot in the shortest possible time to attend to the emergency.

All ambulances have sterilised interiors and are also fire-resistant. They are equipped with a ventilator, defibrillator, foetal monitor, pulse oximeter, nebuliser, among others, for emergency treatment and monitoring.

The 25 ambulances in the fleet provide round-the-clock services in the capital city, Mr Ibrahim said.

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