US funded emergency medical services launched in Jaffna

US Embassy and Jaffna District representatives opened an emergency ambulance service and communication centre on February 11. The event also marked the expansion of the emergency access phone system to the entire Jaffna district. Previously it was available only in Colombo, Kandy and Galle, states a US Embassy press release.

Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Ketheeswaran and Jaffna District Secretary K. Ganesh were present, along with chief guest James R. Moore, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy, who placed the inaugural 1-1-0 call to the communications centre.

"Now, in case of a life-threatening emergency, people can call the 24-hour, 1-1-0 hotline for an ambulance," remarked Dr. Ketheeswaran. "We have coordinated all available ambulances in the Jaffna district to improve access to life saving emergency medical care," he added.

The project in Jaffna is an extension of the national 1-1-0 emergency services program by the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry and the Local Government and Provincial Councils Ministry to enhance access to emergency medical services in Sri Lanka. In addition to Government resources, the project was funded by a $200,000 grant from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the development agency of the US Government, through its Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).

"The US Government is pleased to support the expansion of emergency medical services in Jaffna," stated James R. Moore, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy. "Though this program, more than 100 people have been trained as emergency medical technicians, and more than 650 doctors and nurses are being trained in advanced cardiac and trauma care.

In addition, more than 12,000 people are receiving instruction in basic first aid, and 33 ambulances in the Jaffna district are being upgraded to include basic life support equipment and supplies," he continued.

The first actual emergency call was received less than 24 hours after the opening ceremony. The ambulance responded immediately, and a trained staff member provided first aid to the patient within five minutes of the call for help, successfully transferring the patient to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for additional treatment.

While the 1-1-0 hotline is only available in select areas, it is hoped that the project will expand to provide emergency care to all Sri Lankans islandwide.