108 service to be deployed on election duty across Tamil Nadu

GVK-EMRI operates a total of 751 ambulances across the state and handles medical emergencies by the hour on a routine basis. The elderly among the voters are expected to feel the heat of this summer, especially during the kathri veyil days of May 3-27. Temperature on the polling day is expected to be a sweltering 36 degrees Celsius. 

B Prabudoss, Head, TN State Marketing, GVK-EMRI 108 Ambulances, told DT Next, “The state is witnessing scorching temperature giving voters lot of inconvenience. However, it is important for everyone to cast their votes. Further, some voters may feel dehydrated and experience giddiness and in such a condition, voters can dial 108 from anywhere and we are ready to provide medical assistance to them,”. 

EMRI ambulances will be parked at places stipulated by the Election Commission and ambulances would enter premises of polling stations only if there is any medical emergency, Prabudoss added. 

“Regarding positioning of ambulances in the periphery of election booths identified as sensitive, we will abide by the directive of the district administrations across the state,” said another official. 

An EMRI technician said that they in the t Parliament election of 2014, the mobile para medical emergency assistance team provided medical aid to the voters on election day. 

“I still remember an elderly voter in a rural area had stumbled and fallen on the roadside while on the way to the polling booth. We were alerted and our unit immediately rushed to the spot, and provided medical aid, after which the voter proceeded to the election booth to exercise his franchise,” he said. 

According to EMRI officials, even voters feeling unwell can contact the number 104 for medical help on the election day. “Any voter experiencing even minor health complications can contact the dedicated number and doctors receiving the calls will provide oral medical instructions. However, if an emergency situation is anticipated, the 108 ambulance section will be automatically alerted.” Meanwhile, the State Health Department officials are awaiting guidelines from the Election Commission to position 108 ambulances near polling stations.