Dial 1066 to save a life

ONE-ZERO-Six-Six (1066); dial this number and you could end-up saving a life with timely medical care.

Described as our equivalent of the popular 911 emergency medical care helpline of the U.S., 1066 is a new service from the stable of Apollo Hospitals.

Slated for launch on December 1 - the first phase covers all major cities where Apollo Hospitals has a presence including Chennai - the quality emergency service is a network that promises both, in-hospital and pre-hospital facilities.

The second phase would be ready by January-end and include cities like Madurai and the final phase, by the end of 2002, would cover all the cities and major towns.

The network would involve other hospitals in areas where Apollo Hospitals do not exist as of now.

Besides the four-digit nationwide helpline, some of the other important tools of the network are fully equipped ambulances accompanied by trained personnel, standardised emergency rooms and air ambulances, according to Apollo Hospitals.

These are in addition to Dost, a unique accident insurance card making quality medical care affordable, the life savers programme involving the community in emergency care and awareness campaigns on preventive aspects of accidents and emergencies.

So, the next time you jot down important telephone numbers, include 1066 without fail and make use of the service when you see someone in need.

For, statistics reveal that 30 per cent of the emergency victims die before they reach a hospital. And, over 80 per cent of accident and emergency victims never get quality medical care during the `Golden Hour' (the initial moments after an emergency).

By N. Ravi Kumar

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Section  : Features
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