There is an increase in demand for bike ambulances in the city especially from areas where there are no hospitals. GVK EMRI (Emergency Management an
d Research Institute) says there is a 65% increase in demand since the inception of bike ambulance in 2015.
There is one paramedic ambulance driver per bike and there are 19 bike ambulances around the city operated by Department of Health and Family Welfare, Karnataka.
Mr Sandeep, coordinator of Bike Ambulance says,” first we use to get like 30-40 cases in a month per bike ambulance but now one bike ambulance takes up approx 300 cases per month.”
These two-wheeler ambulances are equipped to treat accidents cases to heart attack victims and are operated by trained paramedics.
Dr Lokesh M N, District Health Officer, BBMP says,” First we used to have a lot of problem in emergency cases as the hospital is very far away and it’s costly. From 2 years bike ambulance has been of great help. We simply call 108 and they come here and treat the patient free of cost.”
BBMP has proposed to launch 100 more bike ambulance in Budget,2018 to meet the growing demand.
