CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu health department has kept 465 ambulances on high alert in coastal areas in view of cyclone Nivar.
The GVK- Emergency Management and Research Institution(EMRI), which runs emergency vehicles, has asked ambulance pilots to park the vehicles at the nearest police station and government health care facility as communication networks can get disrupted due to heavy winds. Pilots have been asked to park vehicles away from trees, weak structures and buildings that may get uprooted and fall during such disasters.
“Ambulances will maintain full tank capacity of fuel for next three days till normalcy is restored. Fuel has also been stocked up,” health minister C Vijayabaskar said here on Tuesday.
Officials said backup ambulances identified from other districts would be moved to coastal areas based on the requirements and additional extrication tools including power cutters will be kept ready.
The teams would coordinate with district heads, police and fire and rescue services. Staff will be available at the call centre to take calls in full strength. A temporary emergency operation centre (EOC) has been set up inside 108 emergency response centre. This centre will provide alerts and updates on any major incidents on real-time through short messages and WhatsApp.
For emergency, call 044-28888105 or 7338895011