NEW DELHI: Transport vehicles converted into ambulances with virtually non-existent emergency care facilities for patients would be phased out over next few years. According to the draft code for ambulance — being prepared by an expert group set up by the road transport and highways ministry — the new norms would be stricter to ensure patients' safety during transit.
The Centre is formulating codes for ambulances for the first time after a working group on emergency care observed the conspicuous absence of the concept in India. Now, ambulances are found to be like any other transport vehicle, and consequently ill-equipped to ferry patients. "These vehicles ferry patients because of deficiencies in our laws. Goods vehicles without necessary safety features have been converted into ambulances and naturally are more prone to accidents," said one of the members of the working group.
Consequently, majority of ambulances have no proper storage facility, non-ambulatory ventilator support system and other necessary features.
Soon the Centre would define an ambulance after the code is finalized. Sources said ambulance in "brilliant white" will be designed and built in a manner so that it doesn't disintegrate even if it turns turtle. Besides, ceiling, interior sidewalls and doors of patient's compartment will be non-permeable and resistant to disinfectant. Moreover, patient cabin will be complete with a digital display panel to show status of oxygen supply.
Highway ministry officials said that there would be four categories of ambulances based on patients' condition. "Medical first responder" will be two/three-wheeler with necessary first-aid, but won't transport patients. "Patient transport vehicle" will be designed to transport stable patients for non-emergency transfers like scheduled visits for treatment, routine physical examinations, x-rays etc.
"Basic life support ambulance" will be designed and equipped with staff for transportation and treatment of patients requiring non-invasive airway management/basic monitoring. And, "advanced life support ambulance" will be designed and equipped for transport and treatment of emergency patients requiring invasive airway management and intensive monitoring.
Draft code for ambulance in the works
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Draft code for ambulance in the works
