Maryam orders measures to launch rescue service on motorways

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday met Secretary Emergency Services Dr Rizwan Naseer and discussed matters pertaining to the air ambulance project and Motorway Rescue 1122 services.

Naseer gave a briefing on the air ambulance project and apprised the CM of the project’s pilot run. Various matters with regard to shifting patients from Bahawalnagar, Mianwali and other far-flung areas through the air ambulance service were discussed. He also briefed her on landing arrangements for the air ambulance in various cities. Matters relating to new airplanes for the service came under discussion.

It was agreed to use the helicopter of the CM to immediately shift a patient in case of emergency arising in Central Punjab. Naseer expressed his gratitude to Maryam on granting permission to use her official helicopter in case of any untoward situation.

The chief minister expressed satisfaction over efforts to launch the air ambulance project. She directed undertaking all possible steps for launching rescue services on motorways at the earliest. She said: “Punjab holds a unique distinction of becoming the first province to launch the air ambulance. In case of heart attack, head injury and spinal injury, the shifting of a patient to a big hospital within the golden hour is highly imperative and is a gigantic task. The life of every patient is precious and patients dwelling in far-flung areas will be shifted to big hospitals for their treatment through the air ambulance service. The service is being launched for the facilitation of the people of Punjab as precious lives can be saved in an emergency situation. The Rescue 1122 ambulance service will be available on motorway interchanges.” She said: “Punjab will be the first province to launch the ambulance service on motorways. The Punjab province has not only become a role model in Pakistan but in South Asia as well with regard to timely provision of rescue services.” Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman was present on the occasion.

Hill torrents: Maryam expressed concern over flooding of houses due to hill torrents in Rojhan. She sought an urgent report from the commissioner DG Khan in this regard. She directed authorities to carry out urgent rescue operations for the affected residents, besides taking measures for the evacuation of affected population and their livestock to safer places at the earliest.