Mobility in the midst of Immobility – The oxymoronic situation

Oh No! Which one?

Transportation of Covid suspect persons during the lockdown phase was a need in the lockdown phase, for which the government system was responsible. Getting involved in managing ambulance arrangement during the lockdown scenario was one of the varied experiences, labeled as “Indelible lessons”.

 The irony of People’s mobility: What is the irony? 

Three things got our heads spinning- The Covid suspected symptomatic persons have to get tested for the infection, public transport was to be avoided by them and controlling the erroneous movement by people in the pretence of Covid. The situation for these persons during lockdown was “Mobility in a static environment”. In this perturbed situation Ambulances and their pilots came to the forefront and were saviours for many. 

The Baby Steps 

The pooling of all the ambulances (the government and the private) was the initial step followed by categorizing them for Covid and non-Covid purposes. Training for the drivers was a crucial part to equip them and boost their morale. The logistics for personal protection of the drivers and sanitization of the vehicles were arrangements at the need of the hour. 

The Kick-start in the Mobility Support 

The opening of road, rail and air transport caused a surge in the number of infection confirmed persons and their contacts. The preparations for this surge could fulfill the deficiencies which otherwise would have crashed the system. The coordinated work of the teams at various levels stood apart from the mishap. Our pilots showed extraordinary courage in the frontline at par with the health staffs managing the patients. These pilots surpassed the uncertainty about the status of the person which the ambulance transported and helped them reach their destination safely. 

The Smooth Sailing 

The current situation after the spur has turned over to digitized control of the ambulance transport with application of latest technology. The system has eased out the reach of the people to the ambulance service with adequate monitoring mechanism. . 

Crests and Troughs 

Achieving a flawless system is a chore for the managers. Uplifting the troughs including all the pitfalls encountered, and maintaining the crests which incorporate every commendable process help in the smooth sailing of the system. A coordinated management of the troughs, linking the pilot to all levels of the system and the field helped through. The crests did not go unnoticed internally and received appreciations without much hue and cry. 

The path forward to be trodden is of uncertainties and we stand strong to travel those hair pin curves.