Traffic Police issue SoPs for movement of Ambulances on NHW

RAMBAN: The Traffic Police National Highway (NHW) has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure for hassle free movement of Ambulances on the NHW in light of the  Section 194-E of Motor Vehicle Act-1988.

 The circular issued today stated that the Act clearly envisages that whoever while driving Motor Vehicle fails to draw to the side of the road, on the approach of a Fire Service Vehicle or of an Ambulance or other Emergency Vehicles as may be specified by the State Government shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with a fine of ten thousand. 

“As such, in order to ensure hassle free movement of Ambulances on NHW Ramban without any Traffic chaos, following SOP is hereby issued to be implemented by the concerned Traffic Supervisory officers strictly in their respective AOR” it stated further.

“The Traffic Officers/Officials shall ensure free movement of ambulances on priority basis, as soon as, receipt of any information regarding movement of emergency Service Vehicles, carrying critical, trauma patients and other dead bodies if any in their respective AORs.

The color codes shall be Red for critical patients, Blue for Non-critical patients and black for dead bodies during movement of Ambulances. They shall frequently coordinate with each other about Traffic Pressure Points and availability of alternate routes (if any) for safe and convenient movement of Ambulances.    

There should be close coordination with the concerned Traffic Control Units, PCRs, APCRs and other contact numbers of Hospital and Emergency Services, as well as, District Administration and other NGOs/stakeholders for proper coordination and safety / security of patients during their enroute movement.

The TCU Ramban/Udhampur shall remain in close coordination and liaison with Hospital authorities regarding the status of road congestion/conditions/weather vagaries, as well as, other alternate emergency routes, so that the patients could feel ease while movement.

The following Contact numbers are as under for Traffic assistance/query if any for the safe movement of ambulances in NHW Ramban: TCU Ramban:  9419993745 & 9906023617. Toll Free Number: 18001807043: TCU Udhampur: 8491928625,” the circular added.