Suhail Rather
Srinagar: As heavy snowfall over two consecutive days brought normal life and road connectivity to a standstill across large parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the 4×4 ambulances of 108 Emergency Medical Services (JKEMS) proved to be a true lifeline, rescuing hundreds of patients from snowbound and inaccessible areas.
Despite harsh weather conditions, the specially deployed 4×4 vehicles operated round the clock, ensuring timely medical assistance in remote districts. In Kulgam district, a 4×4 ambulance stationed at CHC DH Pora successfully rescued nine pregnant women from snowbound villages. Among them, four patients were referred to District Hospital Kulgam, while one cardiac patient and one unconscious patient were also evacuated safely amid treacherous road conditions.
In Shopian, 108 JKEMS teams rescued three pregnant women from remote areas. One of the women later delivered a healthy baby girl at District Hospital Shopian, highlighting the crucial role of the service during emergencies. In addition, cardiac and trauma patients were shifted to healthcare facilities during peak snowfall.
Similar rescue and evacuation operations were carried out in Anantnag, Larnoo, Shangus, Chari Sharief, Khag, Kangan and Tangdhar, ensuring uninterrupted access to emergency healthcare even as roads remained blocked and movement severely restricted.
As part of its winter preparedness plan, 108 Emergency Medical Services deploys 4×4 ambulances every year under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to cater to patients in snowbound and difficult terrains of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Mushtaq Ahmed, Project Head, JKEMS, said that 23 fully equipped 4×4 ambulances are currently deployed across the Union Territory.
“During the recent two-day snowfall alone, 285 patients were attended, out of which 100 patients were served through 4×4 ambulances,” he said.
Since its inception, 108 JKEMS has served over 4,51,980 patients and conducted 1,398 deliveries either inside ambulances or at the scene, firmly establishing itself as a reliable and life-saving emergency service in Jammu and Kashmir.
The tireless efforts of 108 JKEMS teams during extreme weather once again underline that the service is doing a tremendous job, standing as a beacon of hope for people during emergencies especially when nature poses its toughest challenges. (KNS)
