Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 4: Ambulances rushing with blaring sirens to save lives during road accidents or medical emergencies are a common sight. However, when mishaps occur in the middle of the sea, the lack of facilities to immediately bring the injured ashore has often resulted in loss of lives. Addressing this long-pending concern, fishermen from Ullal in Mangaluru have launched the state’s first-ever ‘boat ambulance’ service, drawing widespread attention.
The emergency boat service has been initiated by the Ullal zone Nadadoni and Gillnet Fishermen’s Association. The objective of the service is to provide immediate first aid and swiftly transport the injured to the shore in cases of boat capsizing, fire accidents at sea, or sudden health emergencies among fishermen. Although there has been a demand for a sea ambulance along the coast for decades, government projects could not be implemented due to technical and financial constraints. In a notable move, fishermen have now come together to launch this service without waiting for government support.
The specially designed boat is equipped with a siren, red warning lights, a stretcher, oxygen cylinder, first-aid kit and life jackets. Arrangements have been made so that other boats give way upon hearing the siren. A public address system has also been installed, enabling communication with people along the shore, which proves helpful during emergencies.
Three trained personnel have been appointed to manage the service. They are capable of swimming even in harsh sea conditions. Preventing deaths caused by breathing difficulties during boat capsize incidents is one of the key objectives of this initiative. The boat ambulance allows for immediate first aid and quick transportation of the injured to the shore.
At present, one boat ambulance is in operation. The fishermen’s association aims to expand the service across the district by equipping the boats with more advanced medical facilities if financial assistance is provided by the government. This initiative has emerged as a model effort in safeguarding lives along the coast.