TV
In a major move to boost emergency medical response, Odisha government announced on Friday that dialing 112 will now provide access to ambulance services, with the Directorate General of Fire Services taking the lead.
This initiative is aimed at providing immediate medical assistance, especially in road mishaps and rural emergencies, where timely help is often lacking.
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To support this ambitious initiative, the State government has provided ambulance vehicles to the Directorate General of Fire Services. In addition, 911 newly recruited Agniks (firefighters) have undergone specialised training and will soon be deployed across the State.
This development marks a significant shift in the role of fire services personnel, who will now double as first responders in medical emergencies. These recruits, selected nearly 10 years after the last major hiring drive, are being trained under modern protocols and technology to handle multiple types of emergencies efficiently.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to attend the passing out parade of the newly trained firefighters tomorrow (Saturday, August 23), underlining the importance of this programme in the government's vision for public safety.
With this, Odisha aims to strengthen its disaster and emergency response framework, particularly in underserved rural regions.
“We have the presence and manpower at the grassroots level. We have the equipment and ability to provide rescue services in case of any accident within the ‘golden hour’ (the crucial first 60 minutes after a traumatic injury). It is certainly an achievement for us,” the Director General (DG) of Fire Services, Sudhanshu Sarangi, expressed when contacted.
