FRVS to bolster ambulance services from January

The Delhi government has decided to introduce First Responder Vehicles (FRVS) from January 2018, to provide prompt emergency response services to the needy.

Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday chaired a meeting at Raj Niwas to explore the feasibility of improving emergency response services through introduction of FRVS to provide quick pre-hospital care response in congested areas in Delhi.

“On the suggestions of the Delhi Health Minister Satyender Jain, it was decided that FRVS will be introduced on a pilot basis,” said a senior Health officer. 16 FRVS will be introduced on a pilot basis in three districts, namely East, North East and Shahdara, from January 2018.

Baijal further said that this should reduce the incidence of mortality and morbidity, by ensuring that patients receive appropriate medical care within the ‘golden hour'. The meeting was attended by Jain and other concerned officials.

The officials pointed out that FRVS are needed to complement and supplement the existing ambulances and improve response time by navigating through congested roads during peak traffic hours.

These two-wheeler FRVS will be driven by trained paramedics, who will carry basic first aid kits, medicines and other requisite items.

FRV paramedics will assess the condition, provide first aid if required and stabilise the condition of the patient.