Dr. Shamin Eabenson on 108 Ambulance Life-Saving Role

Dr. Shamin Eabenson Highlights the Life-Saving Role of 108 Ambulance Services in Road Traffic Emergencies

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) continue to remain one of the most serious public health challenges worldwide. Every accident is not just a collision on the road; it is an emergency where every second can influence survival, recovery, and long-term health outcomes. Timely medical intervention, efficient emergency response systems, and advanced pre-hospital care play a crucial role in saving lives.

Recognizing the importance of emergency healthcare delivery, Dr. Shamin Eabenson, MBBS, MD (Community Medicine), Founder & Director of Eabenson Healthcare Private Limited, has contributed valuable research on the role of 108 ambulance services in road traffic accidents in Vijayapura, North Karnataka. His study explores how emergency medical services help accident victims receive timely care and highlights areas where technology and infrastructure can further strengthen trauma response systems.

Road Traffic Accidents: A Growing Healthcare Concern

Road traffic injuries have become a major public health issue, affecting individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, poor road conditions, delayed emergency response, and lack of awareness about road safety contribute significantly to accident-related injuries and deaths.

The first few moments after an accident are often critical. The concept of the “golden hour” emphasizes the importance of providing immediate medical attention to seriously injured patients. Quick ambulance deployment, stabilization at the accident site, and rapid transportation to appropriate healthcare facilities can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Research on 108 Ambulance Services in Vijayapura

Dr. Shamin Eabenson and his research team conducted a mixed-methods study involving road traffic accident victims, ambulance drivers, and emergency medical staff in Vijayapura.

The study examined ambulance response, transportation time, emergency care practices, and challenges faced during accident management. A total of 206 road traffic accident victims were included in the research, along with qualitative inputs from emergency healthcare professionals and other key stakeholders.

Understanding Ambulance Response Time

One of the important findings of the study was related to the time taken to shift accident victims from the accident location to a healthcare facility.

The research found that:

51% of cases reached a primary healthcare facility within 30 minutes to one hour.
34.9% of cases were transported within less than 30 minutes.
14.1% of cases required more than one hour to reach medical care.

These findings highlight the importance of improving emergency response networks, especially in areas where traffic congestion, road conditions, and location challenges can delay ambulance movement.

How 108 Ambulances Support Accident Victims

The 108 ambulance service acts as an important link between accident scenes and hospitals. These emergency vehicles are equipped with essential life-saving facilities, including oxygen support, stretchers, emergency medicines, and basic or advanced life support systems.

Trained emergency medical personnel can provide immediate care, manage vital signs, control bleeding, provide oxygen support, and stabilize patients before reaching a trauma centre.

Dr. Eabenson’s research highlights that the success of emergency medical response depends on teamwork between ambulance drivers, paramedics, healthcare professionals, traffic authorities, and the public. Giving way to ambulances and reporting accidents quickly can make a significant difference in saving lives.

Technology Can Transform Emergency Healthcare

The study emphasizes the growing role of digital technology in improving road safety and emergency medical services.

Advanced solutions such as GPS-based ambulance tracking, AI-powered traffic monitoring systems, automated traffic management tools, digital communication platforms, and smart ambulance technologies can help reduce delays and improve coordination.

The integration of telemedicine solutions can also allow specialists to guide emergency medical teams during transportation, enabling faster decision-making and better patient care.

Strengthening the Future of Emergency Response

While 108 ambulance services have made significant contributions to emergency healthcare, the research highlights the need for continued improvement. Increasing ambulance availability, strengthening paramedic training, improving traffic management, creating public awareness, and adopting advanced technology can further enhance emergency response systems.

Dr. Shamin Eabenson believes that preventing accidents remains the best solution, but when emergencies occur, a strong and efficient healthcare response system can determine the difference between life and loss.

Through his work in community medicine and public health research, Dr. Shamin Eabenson continues to focus on healthcare challenges that directly impact communities. His research on 108 ambulance services reinforces an important message: timely emergency care, coordinated response, and technological innovation are essential pillars for building a safer and more responsive healthcare system.