Gujarat Prepares for High Emergency Volumes This Uttarayan
Uttarayan, the much-anticipated kite festival, is just around the corner, and it promises to test the city’s emergency response systems to the limit. Celebrated with fervour on January 14 and 15, the festival, known for its rooftop kite-flying and crowded streets, is expected to lead to a sharp increase in medical emergencies. The 108 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Gujarat has already projected a significant spike in incidents across the state, with Ahmedabad seeing numbers well above the state average.
According to historical data, Gujarat will witness a rise of 28.96% in emergency cases on January 14, with a total of 4,912 incidents, compared to a daily average of 3,809. The following day, this rise is expected to be 19.8%, reaching 4,563 cases. However, Ahmedabad is likely to bear the brunt of this increase, with an anticipated 39.65% spike on January 14 (1,026 cases) and 31.2% on January 15 (963 cases). These projections are set against the city’s usual emergency cases, which average around 734 per day.
A striking trend forecasted for this year is a surge in non-vehicular trauma. The 108-EMS predicts that non-vehicular injuries will rise by a staggering 167% on January 14 and 77% on January 15. Such injuries, which include physical assault and falls, are expected to be far more prevalent than in previous years. For instance, physical assault cases alone are anticipated to reach 402 on January 14, compared to the usual 121. Additionally, the risk of falls, common during crowded gatherings, is also expected to rise sharply, with 399 cases projected on January 14. While vehicular accidents are also expected to rise by 121% on January 14 and 35% on January 15, the focus is on the surge in non-vehicular incidents, which highlights a major concern for emergency response teams.
In anticipation of the heightened demand for medical assistance, 108-EMS has taken proactive measures to ensure swift and efficient service. Jashvant Prajapati, the COO of 108-EMS, emphasised that the team is on high alert, with dynamic ambulance deployment in high-risk areas, such as crowded markets and residential rooftops. Furthermore, there will be enhanced coordination with hospitals to ensure that patients receive timely treatment, and additional staff will be on hand to handle the expected surge in emergency calls. The Ahmedabad region, alongside other districts like Anand, Bhavnagar, and Surat, is expected to witness an emergency rise of over 20%.
Sustainability also plays a critical role in this year’s planning. Emergency services have adopted a green approach, incorporating eco-friendly ambulance fleets and increasing the use of solar-powered facilities to reduce the carbon footprint during high-demand events like Uttarayan. This not only improves efficiency but also aligns with the growing need for sustainable healthcare solutions. In urban areas like Ahmedabad, where infrastructure and population density continue to grow, sustainability in emergency response can set an example for other cities grappling with similar challenges.
In summary, as the city prepares for Uttarayan, emergency response systems are being fine-tuned to meet the challenges posed by increased festival-related injuries. The significant rise in both vehicular and non-vehicular trauma calls for careful coordination, enhanced resources, and a sustainable approach to managing the surge in medical emergencies. As Ahmedabad takes the lead in preparing for the festival’s risks, it also sets a benchmark for future urban emergency preparedness, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
