Kolkata: Every life saved begins with a race against time, and at the heart of that race are ambulance drivers who navigate chaos, uncertainty, and urgency to deliver hope. Honouring these unsung heroes and the families who stand firmly behind them, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata organised ‘Salute the Real Heroes Family’, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to ambulance drivers and their families, in observance of World Ambulance Day.
The event was attended by senior medical professionals from Manipal Hospitals, including Dr. Kishen Goel, Consultant and Head of Emergency, Dr. Indranil Das, Senior Consultant – Emergency Medicine, Dr. Saurav Das, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology (EM Bypass), Dr. Sujoy Das Thakur, Consultant & In-Charge – Emergency Medicine, Dr. Subhasish Deb, Consultant – Cardiologist (Mukundapur), Dr. Osama Ashfaque (Dhakuria), Prof. (Dr.) Rakhi Sanyal Dutta Sarma, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine (Broadway), along with other eminent specialists.
Conceptualised to recognise the selfless dedication of ambulance drivers as first responders, the initiative aimed to acknowledge not only their tireless service but also the unwavering support of their families who endure demanding and unpredictable schedules.
The programme commenced with a formal welcome, followed by the launch of a specially curated Wellness Plan and Privilege Card for ambulance drivers and their families. A felicitation ceremony honoured drivers for their exemplary commitment, while Basic Life Support (BLS) training sessions, conducted by Manipal Hospitals’ doctors, equipped drivers with critical lifesaving skills. An informative session on emergency healthcare services was followed by the flagging off of an ambulance rally, symbolising speed, preparedness, and the urgency of lifesaving response. The day concluded with engaging family games and activities, celebrating togetherness and recognising the silent strength behind frontline heroes.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kishen Goel said, “Ambulance drivers are often the first medical contact in moments of distress. Their calm presence and swift response save countless lives. With over 50% of cardiac arrest patients in India reaching hospitals late, timely intervention is crucial. Through BLS training, we are empowering drivers to act as immediate responders and strengthen emergency care.”
Dr. Indranil Das added, “A trained individual can make the difference between life and death. Through this initiative, we are not only enhancing professional skills but also focusing on the overall well-being of drivers and their families, empowering them to serve with confidence and pride.”
Highlighting the importance of the “golden hour,” Dr. Sujoy Das Thakur said, “Ambulance drivers play a critical role during heart attacks, strokes, and accidents. By recognising both drivers and their families, we acknowledge the unseen strength that helps lifesaving begin long before a patient reaches the hospital.”
Sharing his experience, Sarjit Yadav, a 34-year-old MARS ambulance driver with eight years of service, said, “It is our duty to bring patients to the hospital on time during critical moments. We are grateful to Manipal Hospitals for recognising our 24/7 service and giving us this honour.”
Sarika Saha, wife of an ambulance driver, said, “With two young daughters, our family often misses my husband due to his duty. Today, our children truly understood how important their father’s role is in saving lives. We are thankful to Manipal Hospitals for this recognition.”
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional COO, Manipal Hospitals (East), stated, “Ambulance drivers are vital members of the healthcare ecosystem. By supporting their skills and families, we aim to empower these unsung heroes and strengthen emergency care from the very first response.”
