108 is synonymous to the speedy emergency service and during the times of coronavirus, it has become synonymous to the continuous ring of the siren one hears throughout the day, as the wheels speed up to transport a patient to a hospital. Nilesh Bharpoda, District Managers at 108 services, said that the ambulances made more than 8,500 rounds in April to transport 8,500 patients to government and private hospitals. Providing statistics, he added that in the last month 4,543 corona patients were shifted by the ambulances, out of which 3,669 rounds were made in government hospitals and 874 in private hospitals. While transporting, patient's oxygen level, body temperature is checked and first aid and oxygen is provided if required. The pilots and the nursing assistants also have to take full precaution, including- wearing a PPE kit and mask. Mr. Bharpoda cited an example of the tireless duty of a pilot who had lost his father and after cremation, he returned to work next day. Vadodara 1

Author-Shlok Talati