KMC Hospital, Traffic Police Hold Ambulance Awareness Rally in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: KMC Hospital, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Circle, Mangaluru, in association with the Mangaluru City Traffic Police, organised an ambulance awareness rally on Thursday to create public awareness about giving way to ambulances, following traffic rules and supporting timely emergency care.
The rally was flagged off from KMC Hospital by Mithun H.N., IPS, DCP (Law and Order), Mangaluru City Police, in the presence of Vijay Kumar, PSI, Traffic Sub-Division, Mangaluru, and representatives of KMC Hospital.
The rally covered a wide route across the city and surrounding areas, passing through Clock Tower, City Centre, PVS, Kottara Chowki, Surathkal, Kuloor, Kavoor, Bajpe, Kuntikana, Nanthoor, Farangipete, Pumpwell, Netravathi Bridge and Kankanady before returning to KMC Hospital at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Circle.
The initiative highlighted the importance of giving ambulances the right of way to ensure that patients receive timely medical attention.
Speaking on the occasion, Mithun H.N., IPS, DCP (Law and Order), Mangaluru City Police, said, “When an ambulance approaches with its siren and lights on, every second matters. Giving way is not merely a traffic courtesy. It can determine how quickly a critically ill or injured patient reaches the care they need. Responsible driving, avoiding unnecessary congestion and following traffic rules are small actions that can make a significant difference during an emergency.”
More than 50 ambulance and autorickshaw drivers participated in the event. Vijay Kumar, PSI, Traffic Sub-Division, Mangaluru, conducted an awareness session on road safety guidelines.
KMC Hospital also recognised and honoured several first responders who had helped patients reach the hospital and receive timely emergency care when needed.
Dr. Jeedhu Radhakrishnan, Cluster Head – Emergency Medicine, KMC Hospital Mangaluru, said, “Emergency care begins well before a patient reaches the hospital. Through our five outreach centres, we have treated over 7,800 patients and trained more than 12,500 people through over 250 first-aid programmes. We have also issued more than 300 First Responder certificates and distributed over 250 first-aid boxes. These efforts, along with advanced ambulance support, help ensure timely care when every minute matters. The public also has a vital role in keeping ambulance routes clear and seeking help without delay.”
Dr. Dattatraya Prabhu, Head – Critical Care, KMC Hospital Mangaluru, said, “Emergency and critical care treatment does not always begin after a patient reaches the hospital. With an advanced life-support ambulance, assessment, monitoring and certain critical interventions can begin while the patient is being transported. This is particularly important in conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries and other medical emergencies, where delays can affect outcomes. The public also has an important role. Keeping ambulance routes clear and not wasting time before seeking medical help can save lives.”
The rally also stressed the importance of recognising medical emergencies early and seeking professional assistance without delay. Conditions such as heart attacks and strokes require urgent evaluation, while workplace injuries, road accidents and serious incidents at home may also require immediate emergency care.
KMC Hospital reiterated that its 24-hour Emergency Medicine and ambulance services are available to provide timely medical assistance. The ambulance rally served as a public awareness initiative aimed at promoting safer road behaviour and greater cooperation among motorists, emergency responders and traffic authorities, thereby helping emergency vehicles reach patients without avoidable delays.
KMC Hospital Mangaluru also urged the public to save the ambulance contact number 0824 222 2227 on their phones so that emergency assistance can be accessed without having to search for contact details during a crisis.