Life Savers Ambulance Services work under high stress levels

A Glimpse into the Daily Challenges of Delhi’s Emergency Medical Transport Teams

Life Savers Ambulance Service in Delhi operates under some of the highest stress levels in

emergency medical care. Every day, their drivers and medical staff navigate the city’s narrow

roads and traffic snarls to ensure patients reach hospitals safely and on time.

The Life of a Life Saver

Thakur Ram Prasad, a seasoned ambulance driver, embodies the dedication and courage

required in this line of work. Originally from Gangoli in Uttarakhand, Thakur moved to Delhi

nearly two decades ago to support his family. For the past nine years, he has been a vital part of

Life Savers Ambulance Service, handling four to five emergency cases daily, often involving

critical patients in urgent need of care.

Navigating Delhi’s Traffic Challenges

Delhi’s congested roads pose constant obstacles. Thakur recalls instances where traffic jams

forced him to drive on the wrong side of the road to save a cardiac arrest patient. Despite these

risks, his familiarity with Delhi’s lanes and by-lanes allows him to maneuver quickly and

efficiently, often saving precious minutes in life-or-death situations.

“The stress levels are high when you are behind the wheel with little space to

manoeuvre,” Thakur explains. “You can feel the sweat trickle down your temples,

especially when the attendant is shouting that the case is serious.”

High-Stakes Experiences

In 2008, Thakur faced one of his most challenging assignments: transporting a heart attack

patient from Aligarh to Delhi with no hospitals en route. Despite the long journey and limited

resources, he successfully ensured the patient’s survival. Experiences like these highlight the

immense pressure ambulance drivers face and their unwavering commitment to saving lives.

The Role of Luck and Responsibility

Ambulance drivers rarely get attached to a specific vehicle. Each journey is different, and many

carry symbolic items like a red chunri (sacred cloth) tied to the rearview mirror for protection.

Life Savers drivers know that every trip could be a race against time, where lives literally

hang by a thread.

Recognizing the Human Side of Emergency Services

Life Savers Ambulance Service not only provides critical medical transport but also

demonstrates the human dedication behind the vehicles. Drivers like Thakur combine skill,

experience, and courage to navigate emergencies, ensuring that patients receive timely care

and families have hope in moments of crisis.