Cardiac issues during Sabarimala ascent: Health dept sets up these facilities; emergency number

Sabarimala: The health department has launched an additional rapid-action medical unit to attend to devotees with cardiac issues during the hike to the Swami Ayyappa Temple from Pamba. The rapid action medical unit functions under the Kanivu 108 ambulance project with Pamba Hospital as its base. Devotees could dial the toll-free number 108 for an emergency ambulance or medical services. A rescue van that could reach the dense forest paths and an ICU ambulance has been arranged as part of the medical unit. Besides, there are enough medicines and other medical equipment for emergency medical care. This van would be based in Appachimedu, and a trained emergency medical technician would be available.

Besides the ambulances of the health department, Kanivu 108, a rescue van, and a bike feeder ambulance that can reach difficult terrains have been brought to Sabarimala. The bike feeder has a sidecar in which the patient can be laid. A trained emergency medical technician will drive this vehicle. Meanwhile, all the facilities have been arranged at the hospitals in Pamba and Sannidanam. There are 18 emergency medical centres and oxygen parlours in the forest path from Pamba to Sannidanam. Besides, the devotees can also contact 04735 203232 for emergency medical services. ICU ambulance, equipped with a defibrillator and ventilator, has been arranged to transport patients with severe health conditions to other hospitals.