Misuse of Ambulance Sirens

Misuse of Ambulance Sirens

Misuse of Ambulance Sirens in Hyderabad: A Concerning Trend

Study Reveals Misuse of Ambulance Sirens
Hyderabad: A recent study conducted by the Hyderabad Traffic Police from July 23 to July 27 has  uncovered a troubling misuse of ambulance sirens in the city. The investigation found that sirens were used appropriately in only 49% of cases, while a staggering 51% of ambulance drivers employed sirens primarily to navigate through traffic, even when there was no genuine emergency.

Investigation Findings: Misuse of Sirens in Non-Emergency Situations
The study involved a thorough inspection of 310 ambulances operating within Hyderabad. Among these, 152 ambulances were found to be transporting patients in actual emergencies, while 20 were being used for sample collection, and 17 were engaged in shifting dead bodies. However, the most alarming statistic was that 121 ambulances, nearly 40% of the total, were using sirens despite being empty or for other unspecified, non-emergency reasons. This widespread misuse has raised significant concerns about the impact on traffic flow and public safety.

Misuse of Ambulance Sirens
Misuse of Ambulance Sirens

Impact on Traffic Flow and Public Safety
The misuse of ambulance sirens for non-emergency purposes has a direct impact on the city’s traffic management. With sirens blaring unnecessarily, traffic signals are often switched from automatic to manual mode to allow ambulances to pass, leading to increased congestion at major junctions. This practice not only causes delays for regular commuters but also undermines the integrity of emergency response systems. When sirens are used indiscriminately, it diminishes the urgency associated with true medical emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.

Hyderabad Police Take Action
In response to the findings of this study, the Hyderabad police have taken swift action. A meeting was convened with hospital management, the ambulance drivers’ association, and diagnostic laboratories to address the issue. The police made it clear that misuse of sirens would not be tolerated, and potential legal action could be taken against those who violate traffic regulations.

Addressing the Root Cause: Ethical Practices and Technological Solutions
During the meeting, the police emphasized the importance of ethical practices among ambulance drivers. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) P Vishwa Prasad highlighted that, on average, five to six ambulances pass through a junction every hour in Hyderabad. This high volume of ambulances, combined with the misuse of sirens, has prompted the traffic police to implement manual control over traffic signals, further exacerbating congestion issues.

The police urged drivers to use sirens only in genuine emergencies and stressed the need for ethical behavior on the roads. In addition to promoting ethical practices, the Hyderabad police announced plans to develop software that will prioritize emergency vehicles more effectively. This technological solution aims to streamline the movement of ambulances during actual emergencies, ensuring that those in need  of urgent medical care receive the necessary priority.

Public Awareness and Compliance
Public awareness is also a key component in addressing the misuse of ambulance sirens. The police plan to launch campaigns to educate both ambulance drivers and the general public about the importance of using sirens exclusively for emergencies. By fostering a culture of compliance and respect for traffic rules, the Hyderabad Traffic Police hope to restore the integrity of emergency response systems and improve overall traffic management in the city.

Conclusion
The findings of the Hyderabad Traffic Police study serve as a wake-up call regarding the misuse of ambulance sirens in non-emergency situations. With 51% of siren usage found to be unjustified, the impact on traffic flow and public safety cannot be ignored. The actions taken by the police, including meetings with stakeholders, warnings of legal action, and the development of prioritization software, reflect a proactive approach to addressing this issue. Moving forward, the combined efforts of the police, ambulance drivers, and the public will be essential in ensuring that ambulance sirens are used responsibly and exclusively for genuine emergencies.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the findings of a study conducted by the Hyderabad Traffic Police. The content aims to inform readers about the misuse of ambulance sirens and does not intend to defame any individual or organization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rule for ambulance sirens?
Wail and yelp signals, cycling between 10-18 and 150-250 per minute, respectively, at a sound pressure of 110dB(A)-120dB(A), are allowed. On top of that, a public address system should also operate at all times from the driver’s seat. The siren switch can be used only when the warning lights are on.
What to do if you hear an ambulance siren?
Pull over to the edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop. Remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Can an ambulance use siren without a patient?
Ambulances only put on their sirens when going to a LIFE THREATENING emergency, or taking a CRITICALLY ILL patient to hospital.
What does the siren of an ambulance tell you?
The sound and light from the ambulance will warn the people on the road about the emergency. So that people will give way to an ambulance in heavy traffic. It also lowers the chance of heavy vehicles crashing with ambulances in traffic.
Who can use siren in India?
Only vehicles used as ambulances, for fire-fighting and salvaging purposes or police or operators of construction equipment vehicles or officers of motor vehicles departments are approved by the registering authority.