In a unified effort, people and the police saved the life of a 17-year-old girl who had a cardiac arrest. The people and police cleared the route for the ambulance to bring her to Amrita Hospital in Kochi from Kattappana in just two and a half hours.
Ann Maria, a 17-year-old girl from Kattappana in the Idukki district of Kerala, became unwell while attending her grandmother’s funeral at a church. She was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital at Kattappana.
However, after giving preliminary treatment, the authorities referred her to the Amrita Hospital in Kochi for further emergency treatment. What followed was a heart whelming attempt to save the girl’s life.
Soon social media was flooded with posts requesting help from the public to arrange a corridor for the ambulance. Roshy Augustine, Water Resources Minister attending a school event at Idukki at the time, arranged an ICU ambulance from Kattappana to Kochi.
Idukki SP also intervened on the incident and arranged a pilot vehicle for the ambulance. The ambulance started from Kattappana at 11.37am. and reached Amrita Hospital in 2.35 hours, covering 132km.
“The successful mission was made possible by the support of the public,” said the minister in an interview. “The union of ambulance drivers, autorickshaw drivers, and bus drivers worked together to ensure a smooth and fast passage for the ambulance, “- He added.
Even though the congestion related to the school reopening and the long-winding roads from Kattappana to Thodupuzha had posed a major hurdle, interventions by the people made it easy for the ambulance driver to pass through.
As per the reports, Ann Mariya’s condition was considered critical. The hospital authorities promised extended maximum support to provide better treatment for the girl. Later, her family expressed gratitude to the people and the police.
This incident is a true example of the power of teamwork and commitment. The swift response and efficient coordination demonstrated by everyone involved in this mission underscore the importance of unity and solidarity in times of emergency.
There have been incidents where ambulances and fire engines got stuck in traffic. It is a major flaw, and measures should be taken to ensure their passage. We should take this example as an inspiration and always give way to emergency service vehicles.
