102/108 JK Emergency Services Complete Five Years, Saving Over 3.76 Lakh Lives in J&K

3,76,868 patients served since inception of services in J&K

1,261 successful deliveries assisted by Emergency Medical Technicians

Jammu, March 25: 108/102 Jammu & Kashmir Emergency Medical Services, a joint initiative of the National Health Mission and BVG India Ltd under the Public-Private Partnership, has successfully completed five years of Operations in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Launched on 24th March 2020, the 24×7 free-of-cost emergency ambulance service started with a fleet of 416 ambulances, which has now expanded to 489 ambulances. This fleet includes 139 Advanced Life Support ambulances, 64 Basic Life Support ambulances, and 286 Patient Transport ambulances.

The Emergency Response Centre for 108/102 JKEMS is based in ChanniHimmat, District Jammu. Over the past five years, the service has provided emergency medical assistance to a total of 3,76,868patients, including: 1,88,939medical emergencies,11,654police emergencies, 721fire-related emergencies. Also, 70,966patients were served under 102 Ambulance Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK).

Data from BVG India Ltd highlights that in every 8 minute one emergency case is served by 108 Ambulance Service. The service has played a crucial role in both pregnancy-related and trauma-related emergencies. A total of 1,03,509pregnancy-related emergencies were handled, and 1,261successful deliveries were conducted either inside ambulances or at the scene with the assistance of trained Emergency Medical Technicians. Additionally, 17,461 road traffic accident related emergencies were attended, with patients receiving critical pre-hospital care before being transported to hospitals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic JKEMS has played a vital role in UT J&K, a total of 12,111suspected or positive patients were safely transported to dedicated COVID-19 health institutions across Jammu & Kashmir.

Despite the challenging terrain and scattered population, the average response time remains impressive with 12 minutes 41 seconds in urban areas & 18 minutes 19 second in Rural areas.

Since its inception, 108/102 JKEMS has played a pivotal role in saving lives, especially in remote and high-risk areas prone to road traffic accidents and mass casualty incidents. The services have had a profound impact on maternal healthcare, ensuring safe deliveries and timely medical interventions.

Speaking on this milestone, Mushtaq Ahmed, Project Head, said that all ambulances are well equipped with lifesaving medical facilities and are manned by trained EMT skilled in life support techniques. Heurged the people of Jammu & Kashmir to utilize the free, 24×7 emergency ambulance services during any medical emergency. He assured that every call to the helpline is treated with urgency, recognizing the life-threatening nature of emergencies.