To provide timely medical attention to accident victims even before an ambulance can arrive, a leading private hospital chain on October 31 launched the First Responder (FR) bikes in the tri-city area of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali.

"The burden of road accident victims across tri-city is rising, especially during night and early morning hours. So, Max Hospital, Mohali, has come up with a round-the-clock emergency medical & trauma care services," said Dr Ramesh Sen, Senior Director and Head-Max Institute of Orthopedics.

He said Max-First Responder (FR) bikes, can be reached on an emergency number. These will save time in proving timely medical assistance to accident victims, Sen said. The bikes will be equipped with emergency medical and trauma care facilities for immediate medical attention backed by an advanced life support ambulance. "Provision of timely, effective and quality emergency care is vital to minimize fatalities," said Dr Sen, adding Max Hospital is the first private hospital network in the country to launch such bike responders along with ambulance.

The bikes have been launched to provide faster medical help through traffic congestion. "The FR bikes will be operated by a trained Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and will reach in the shortest possible time. The bike responder is equipped to handle most traumas and health emergencies and will greatly save time during peak traffic hours while an ambulance is on way. Its paramedic will administer the desired first-aid followed by a fully equipped ambulance with doctor," Dr Sen said.

Sandeep Dogra, Senior Vice President and Zonal Head-Max Hospitals, Punjab, said medical attention was important in the first few minutes of an accident. Dr. G.P. Malik, medical advisor and director-Internal Medicine, said new services will guarantee the highest levels of skill, expertise and infrastructure.