Mysuru: To strengthen emergency medical care during the high-traffic Mysuru Dasara season, Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, has launched a bike-based first responder service from Oct. 14 to 25. 

The service was inaugurated alongside an Emergency Response Awareness Rally to promote road safety and urge motorists to yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.  

The initiative was flagged off by K.S. Sundar Raj, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime & Traffic), Mysuru City, Dr. K. Mohan, District Health and Family Welfare Officer (DHO), Mysuru, Pramod Kunder, Cluster Director, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru and Manipal Hospital, Mysuru and B.J. Sandeep Patel, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital, Mysuru. 

The launch was accompanied by a First Responder Service and Ambulance Awareness Rally to highlight the importance of timely medical assistance, responsible road behaviour and public cooperation in facilitating emergency response. 

Designed to navigate narrow streets and heavy congestion, the service enables paramedics to reach patients swiftly, administer life-saving initial care and coordinate seamlessly with incoming ambulances for hospital transport.  

Engineered specifically for rapid emergency response, the bike ambulances carry comprehensive medical gear, including first-aid kits, trauma supplies, portable oxygen cylinders, portable ECGs and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). 

Each vehicle features a rear-mounted compact medical storage compartment, side-secured fire extinguishers and oxygen tanks and front sirens with beacon lights to clear traffic. For safety and connectivity, both rider and pillion paramedic wear helmets equipped with built-in microphones to maintain real-time communication with command centres, medical teams and incoming ambulances, while high-visibility reflective backpacks ensure safe night navigation.  

Upon receiving a call at the helpline, emergency physicians dispatch a bike paramedic simultaneously with a standard ambulance. The bike responder arrives first to stabilise the patient and transmit vital health data back to the hospital, ensuring a smooth transition once the regular ambulance arrives for transport.  

Dignitary Statements 

K.S. Sundar Raj, DCP (Crime & Traffic), Mysuru, said: “During Mysuru Dasara, managing traffic and ensuring public safety are priorities. Initiatives such as a bike-based First Responder Service address traffic challenges and enable faster initial care. We urge citizens to give safe passage to emergency response teams.”  

Dr. K. Mohan, DHO, Mysuru, said: “Reaching patients promptly in cardiac or accident emergencies makes a significant difference. Introducing a First Responder Service in Mysuru is a welcome step in strengthening pre-hospital emergency care.”  

K. Prasanna, a Mysuru Resident, said: “During Dasara traffic, emergency vehicles can face delays. A first responder bike provides immediate help on the scene while the ambulance is en route, giving citizens  greater confidence.”