Mangaluru: KMC Hospital Mangaluru, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Circle, in association with Mangaluru City Traffic Police, organised an ambulance awareness rally on Thursday to encourage motorists to give way to emergency vehicles, follow traffic rules and support timely medical care.

The initiative aimed to highlight the critical role played by the public in ensuring that ambulances can reach hospitals without unnecessary delays. With emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, road accidents and serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention, even a few minutes can make a significant difference to patient outcomes.

Rally flagged off by Mangaluru City Police

The ambulance awareness rally was flagged off from KMC Hospital, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Circle, by Shri Mithun H. N., IPS, DCP, Law & Order, Mangaluru City Police. Mr Vijay Kumar, PSI, Traffic Sub Division, Mangaluru, along with representatives of KMC Hospital, was present during the flag-off ceremony.

The rally covered a wide route across Mangaluru and surrounding areas. The route included Clock Tower, City Centre, PVS, Kottara Chowki, Surathkal, Kulur, Kavoor, Bajpe, Kuntikana, Nanthoor, Farangipete, Pumpwell, Netravathi Bridge and Kankanady before returning to KMC Hospital at Dr B.R. Ambedkar Circle.

The participation of ambulances and emergency service personnel helped reinforce the central message of the campaign — motorists must cooperate with emergency vehicles and ensure that ambulances are able to move through traffic safely and quickly.

Public cooperation can help save lives

Speaking during the programme, Shri Mithun H. N., IPS, DCP, Law & Order, Mangaluru City Police, stressed that giving way to an ambulance is more than a matter of traffic courtesy.

“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,” he said.

He also urged motorists to practise responsible driving, avoid unnecessary congestion and follow traffic regulations, noting that such simple actions can have a significant impact during medical emergencies.

More than 50 ambulance and auto drivers participated in the rally. Mr Vijay Kumar, PSI, Traffic Sub Division, Mangaluru, provided participants with awareness on road safety guidelines.

The event also recognised several First Responders who had helped patients reach the hospital and receive timely emergency care during critical situations. Their contribution was acknowledged as an important part of the emergency care chain.

Emergency care begins before reaching hospital

Dr Jeedhu Radhakrishnan, Cluster Head – Emergency Medicine, KMC Hospital Mangaluru, highlighted the importance of providing emergency care even before a patient reaches the hospital.

He said KMC Hospital’s five outreach centres have treated more than 7,800 patients, while more than 12,500 people have been trained through over 250 first-aid programmes. The hospital has also issued more than 300 First Responder certificates and distributed over 250 first-aid boxes.

According to Dr Radhakrishnan, these initiatives, together with advanced ambulance support, are aimed at ensuring timely medical assistance when every minute matters. He also stressed that members of the public have an important role in keeping ambulance routes clear and seeking emergency assistance without delay.

The awareness rally therefore focused not only on ambulance movement but also on building a broader understanding of emergency response among the community.

Advanced ambulance support during emergencies

Dr Dattatraya Prabhu, Head – Critical Care, KMC Hospital Mangaluru, explained that emergency and critical care can begin even while a patient is being transported to the hospital.

He highlighted the role of an advanced life support ambulance, where patient assessment, monitoring and certain critical interventions can be initiated during transportation. Such support can be particularly important in emergencies including heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries and other serious medical conditions.

He reiterated that public cooperation is equally important. Keeping roads clear for ambulances and avoiding delays in seeking medical assistance can help emergency teams reach patients and begin appropriate care at the earliest possible stage.

Awareness on early recognition of emergencies

The rally also sought to improve awareness about recognising medical emergencies and seeking professional assistance promptly.

Conditions such as heart attack and stroke require urgent evaluation, while road accidents, workplace injuries and serious incidents at home may also require immediate medical attention. The hospital encouraged members of the public not to delay seeking help when serious symptoms or injuries occur.

The initiative brought together healthcare professionals, emergency responders, ambulance and auto drivers and traffic authorities, creating a common platform to emphasise the importance of coordinated emergency response.

KMC Hospital highlights 24-hour emergency services

KMC Hospital Mangaluru reiterated that its 24-hour Emergency Medicine and ambulance services are available to provide timely medical assistance.

The MARS ambulance rally served as a public awareness initiative aimed at encouraging safer road behaviour and greater cooperation between motorists, emergency responders and traffic authorities. By creating clearer passage for ambulances, members of the public can contribute to reducing avoidable delays during critical situations.

The hospital has also urged the public to save its ambulance contact number 0824 222 2227 on their mobile phones so that emergency assistance can be accessed quickly without having to search for contact details during a crisis.

The ambulance awareness rally reinforced the message that emergency healthcare is a shared responsibility. While hospitals and emergency teams provide specialised medical care, the journey to timely treatment often begins on the road. Responsible driving, awareness of ambulance protocols and cooperation from motorists can help emergency vehicles reach patients faster.

Through initiatives such as the rally, KMC Hospital Mangaluru and Mangaluru City Traffic Police aim to strengthen public awareness and encourage a culture in which ambulances are given priority on the roads. The effort ultimately seeks to ensure that patients in critical need can reach appropriate medical care without unnecessary delays.