No road, no ambulance access: 108 team walks 8 km to save mother, newborn
In a remarkable demonstration of commitment, dedication and timely emergency medical intervention, 108 Emergency Medical Services team from SDH Rohama walked approximately 8 kilometres through difficult terrain for nearly 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach a woman in advanced labour and provide life-saving emergency care, officials said today.
A distress call was received at the 108 Emergency Response Centre at 10:24 AM regarding an expectant mother at Hamam Markot, Tehsil Dangiwacha, District Baramulla. The nearest available 108 ambulance from SDH Rohama was immediately dispatched to the location.
Ambulance reached the accessible road point near Hamam Markot at approximately 11:05 AM.
As the habitation was located deep inside the forest and was not accessible by road, the on-duty ambulance team, comprising EMT Bilal Ahmad Mir and Pilot Mudasar Ahmad Sheikh, proceeded on foot with a stretcher and essential emergency medical equipment.
The team covered nearly 8 kilometres on foot, carrying the necessary equipment and stretcher and reached the patient after approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of walking through difficult terrain.
The patient, Gulshana Bano, 18 years old, a primigravida, was found to be at term with active labour pain. Considering the advanced stage of labour, the difficult terrain and the considerable distance from the ambulance and healthcare facility, the EMT assessed the situation and took the decision to conduct an emergency delivery at the site.
At approximately 1:35 PM, the EMT successfully conducted the delivery in the forest with the assistance of the pilot. A live male newborn was delivered. Immediate post-delivery care was provided, including maintenance of IV access and administration of IV fluids, along with continued monitoring of the mother and newborn.
Following stabilization, the mother and newborn were safely transported to the ambulance and subsequently shifted to PHC Dangiwacha, where the patient was admitted at approximately 2:59 PM for further maternal and neonatal care.
The patient’s family expressed their appreciation for the prompt and dedicated services provided by the 108 Emergency Medical Services team. The family also expressed gratitude to the Government and National Health Mission (NHM), J&K, for providing such critical and life-saving emergency medical services, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
The incident highlights the importance of 108 Emergency Medical Services in ensuring timely pre-hospital care and access to emergency medical assistance, even in challenging geographical and terrain conditions.
The dedication of the ambulance team reflects the commitment of 108 JKEMS team towards saving lives and ensuring that emergency healthcare reaches every individual, irrespective of location or accessibility