Latest news with #TraumaServices
The Print
24-04-2025
- Health
- The Print
In Delhi NCR, new ambulance helpline promises prompt medical response, within 15 min. How it'll work
Zenzo is an emergency response service provider in India, operational under public-private partnership with various state governments, which focuses on using technology to improve access to timely medical care. It has launched a large ambulance network, operating over 25,000 ambulances across 450 cities and towns. Zenzo, a private emergency healthcare provider, in collaboration with Delhi Traffic Police, has rolled out the region's largest network of 671 aggregated ambulances—promising to reach residents in under 15 minutes, making the capital 'emergency ready'. New Delhi: For the residents of Delhi NCR, the next emergency response may now be less than 15 minutes away. With a single centralised helpline—1-800-102-1298—residents across Delhi-NCR can now access quick ambulance service. Zenzo has mapped ambulances pin-code wise, allowing the system to locate and dispatch the nearest available vehicle quickly. Based on the caller's location, an ambulance is dispatched to reach them within 15 minutes, ensuring timely medical assistance. 'The aim is to simplify emergency access so that instead of scrambling for multiple contact numbers during a crisis, individuals can dial just one number and be immediately connected to a call centre,' said Sweta Mangal, Zenzo co-founder and CEO at the launch event Wednesday at India Habitat Centre in Delhi. The event was attended by Anil Tomar, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic Headquarters and VIP Routes, New Delhi, along with several officials from his team. Some of them also demonstrated CPR techniques they had learned during a training session conducted by Zenzo the previous day. By prioritising speed and accessibility, Zenzo has also introduced standardised pricing. A Basic Life Support ambulance is priced at Rs 1,500 for the first five kilometers, while a Cardiac ambulance will cost Rs 2,500 for the same distance. According to Mangal, the aim is simple—no last-minute surprises, just fair, transparent and consistent pricing. 'We are ensuring that life-saving services are never limited by geography, privilege or cost,' she said. Zenzo has also partnered with government bodies, such as National Highways Authority of India, National Health Mission, and various state health departments, along with private organisations. Its client base includes major companies, like Cipla, P&G, Abbott, Decathlon and Nestlé. Last month, a CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report revealed that ambulances under the Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) programme, operated by Delhi government, now take an average of 17 minutes to respond—a noticeable increase from the 13-minute response time recorded in 2014. This delay persists, despite the size of CATS ambulance fleet rising from 155 to 261 over the past decade, in a city with a population of about three crore. Established in 1989, CATS offers free ambulance services to accident and trauma victims in the capital. Mangal said the company is open to working alongside CATS to strengthen emergency care in the city. 'It's not a competition, it's a collaboration.' In addition to training law enforcement, Zenzo is collaborating with a diverse range of partners, including corporates, NGOs and food delivery platforms, like Swiggy and Zomato, as well as mobility partners, like Uber and Rapido, with the aim to equip their staff and riders with essential first-aid and CPR skills. Road accidents claimed an average of 20 lives every hour across India in 2023, resulting in a staggering total of 1,72,890 deaths, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Among Indian cities, Delhi recorded the highest number of road crash fatalities, with 1,457 lives lost that year. Also Read: The pill, for him: Contraceptive that could redefine family planning clears key trial milestone '5G ambulance' Zenzo has also launched an in-house '5G ambulance', which uses real-time patient monitoring, enabling paramedics to share vital stats with hospitals instantly. It is equipped with all the critical devices found in a cardiac ambulance, such as ventilator, defibrillator, monitor and ECG. These devices are connected via 5G, ensuring real-time data transmission. When a patient is placed in the ambulance, they are immediately connected to the equipment, and their health data is shared in real time with the hospital or doctor via a WhatsApp link. This allows doctors to view the patient's condition live and communicate directly with the paramedic, guiding them on necessary action during the journey. Mangal explained the importance of this technology, noting that even if an ambulance reaches its destination in 15 minutes, it can still take another 30 to 45 minutes to get to the hospital. In those crucial moments, real-time data relayed through 5G allows doctors to begin the necessary treatment before the patient even arrives at the hospital. 'This is not just about sending text information,' Mangal clarified. 'It's a WhatsApp link, and when you click on it, you can actually see a video of the patient's condition.' Currently, only one such ambulance is in operation, priced at Rs 5,000 per use. However, Mangal emphasised, 'We want other organisations and people to adopt this model.' She added that four more 5G-enabled ambulances will be made operational in the coming weeks. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: The tag of being India's 1st ever 'indigenous' MRI machine has 2 contenders. There is no true winner
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How biohazard training for first responders and property managers can help combat the fentanyl crisis
The fentanyl epidemic is most closely associated with drug users—often people who became addicted after being prescribed opioids for pain or injury. However, as abuse rates have increased, fentanyl has turned into a crisis for first responders, property managers, and maintenance workers who have to deal with the aftermath, Trauma Services reports. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioids such as fentanyl were involved in 55,529 unintentional overdose deaths in 2023. Relatedly, accidental exposure among children increased by 1,194% between 2015 and 2023, according to The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Children are not the only ones at risk. Police officers, paramedics, and firefighters are accustomed to encountering fentanyl at overdose scenes and are trained in how to handle it. However, property managers and maintenance crews, who are frequently tasked with cleaning up contaminated rental units and foreclosed homes, can unknowingly be exposed to serious health risks because they often lack proper biohazard training. In addition to fentanyl, other biohazards, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that carry infectious diseases and bloodborne pathogens, can be a significant occupational hazard. Comprehensive biohazard training is critical to avoid these risks and liabilities. During the course of responding to medical emergencies or cleaning up contaminated property, first responders, property managers, and maintenance workers commonly encounter the following types of biohazards: 1. Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, carried in blood and other bodily fluids that cause diseases, including hepatitis B and C, and HIV. These are frequently found in locations such as crime and overdose scenes, drug labs, unattended deaths, and abandoned property—often in the form of used needles and medical waste. 2. Drug Residue and Fentanyl Contamination In spaces where drugs are illegally manufactured or used, residue from fentanyl, meth, heroin, and cocaine can settle on flooring and furnishings and in ventilation systems. If first responders or property managers come into contact with this residue—either directly on their skin or through inhalation—it can cause severe respiratory distress or accidental overdose. 3. Human Waste and Sewage Contamination In places where plumbing backs up or there aren't adequate plumbing systems, such as neglected houses, hoarding situations, and homeless encampments, human waste can cause contamination. Diseases such as E. coli, hepatitis A, and norovirus are spread through accidental contact with fecal matter. 4. Mold and Fungal Contaminants Mold and fungus can flourish after water damage, floods, or in damp, neglected areas. Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) and other molds can cause respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions. 5. Rodent and Insect Infestations Wild animals, insects, and decaying animal carcasses can expose workers to biohazards and air quality risks. Rats, mice, and cockroaches pose bite risks and can spread hantavirus, leptospirosis, and plague. Other animals can spread rabies, toxoplasmosis, and psittacosis by leaving behind droppings and contaminating air ducts. 6. Hoarding and Squalor Conditions In hoarding environments, the accumulation of trash and clutter and pest infestations can pose health risks and fire hazards that can endanger first responders and maintenance workers. Decomposing food, human waste, and mold can all spread diseases and endanger health. 7. Chemical and Tear Gas Contaminants Many toxic chemicals are associated with producing drugs and drug busts, including hazardous materials and tear gas. These chemicals can irritate skin, lungs, eyes, and mucous membranes, causing both immediate and long-term health effects. 8. Infectious Disease Exposure Infectious diseases can spread in situations where adequate hygiene measures aren't followed, such as homeless shelters, crime scenes, and neglected rental properties. Some of the most significant hazards are spread through skin contact and airborne droplets, including tuberculosis, COVID-19, and MRSA. Effective biohazard training should be role-based and cover the types of exposures workers may experience while performing their jobs. Exposure to hazards like fentanyl or contaminated sharps is becoming increasingly common. Often, a property manager or maintenance worker walks into what seems like a routine turnover only to find themselves face-to-face with serious danger. These situations aren't rare anymore; they're becoming part of the job. First responders have to administer medical treatment and personal care while avoiding biohazards. They need to be trained to: Identify fentanyl and other drugs, potential bloodborne pathogens, and other contaminants at crime scenes and overdose locations. Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks, nitrile gloves, and protective eyewear, to prevent exposure. Administer naloxone (Narcan) to reverse overdoses. Safely handle and dispose of contaminated materials. Decontaminate vehicles, surfaces, uniforms, and equipment after use. Property managers and maintenance staff usually arrive on the scene after any immediate medical emergency is over. However, in the process of remediating a scene, they may be exposed to additional hazards. They need to be trained to: Recognize high-risk environments and warnings of drug use. Follow PPE protocols before they inspect or clean units. Dispose of hazardous waste properly to prevent further contamination. Follow legal responsibilities and disclosure laws to protect tenant safety. Implement appropriate emergency response measures in case of accidental exposure. Mishandling biohazards poses financial and legal risks in addition to health risks. These expenses far exceed the costs of training and equipping and can include: Lawsuits from tenants who rent contaminated units. Fines and legal penalties for noncompliance with hazardous materials regulations. Liability if employees are injured due to a lack of training. Insurance claim denials for fentanyl-related contamination if remediation isn't properly documented. As the fentanyl crisis expands, first responders and property managers are in danger of accidental exposure from their jobs. They need comprehensive biohazard training to avoid the negative health effects of fentanyl, infectious diseases, and other deadly contaminants. Increases in accidental overdose deaths and child exposures mean that first responders and maintenance workers face increased risks when responding to and cleaning up after drug-related incidents. Being adequately trained and equipped is the only way to protect the health and safety of workers. This story was produced by Trauma Services and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mansfield company takes on grimiest of jobs: crime scene cleanups
They arrive after the flashing blue lights dwindle and the yellow crime tape begins to sag. They are Trauma Services. 'We keep a really low profile when we pull in,' said Trauma Services founder and CEO Michael Wiseman. 'There are no names on the trucks. Our people try to be as quiet as possible.' Trauma Services is essentially a clean-up company. But it's what the company cleans up that sets it apart: crime scenes, car accidents, bomb attacks, hoarder houses, homeless camps and more. 'When people call us, nobody's calling for information,' said Wiseman. 'They all need our services. It's not that they're shopping around. They need your services. And nine times out of ten it's one of the worst days of their lives.' Wiseman founded Trauma Services 35 years ago after the death of a loved one. 'We needed a clean-up for a loved family member,' said Wiseman. 'And my wife and I had to decide the next day how to handle the situation. And I actually ended up cleaning it with another relative of mine. Nobody would come out there and clean up the blood. My wife said, you should start a company that does that.' Today, Trauma Services employs 75 people and responds to about 9,000 calls a year. It contracts with the Massachusetts State Police and serves five other states in the Northeast. Over the years, the company has cleaned up some of the most notorious acts of violence, including the Boston Marathon bombing and the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. 'Those are the scenes that seem to get to us the most,' Wiseman said. 'We've had a couple of really horrific explosions over the years, bombs that have gone off. And those scenes are horrific just because of the residue and everything that's left over.' Wiseman said in one recent week the company dealt with twelve suicides. So what does it take to work for a company that performs such a vital -- yet unenviable task? Wiseman said it's a combination of factors. And while a strong stomach helps, so does sensitivity to loss. One advantage the crews take to every scene is that there are generally no surprises. 'We always know what we're walking into,' said Wiseman. 'Now when you open the door or when you walk into the bedroom or a shed where there's a shotgun suicide, even though you've seen 30 of them, they're still extremely tough to digest.' That threshold usually determines if an employee is going to last Wiseman said. 'They're going to see some horrific things in the first 3 or 4 weeks of work, because that's how busy we are,' he said. 'So we know if they last 4-5 weeks, they're going to stay. If it's not for them, we lose them in the first 2 or 3 weeks.' Trauma Services offers counseling to employees overwhelmed by scenes -- but Wiseman said very few employees have taken advantage of that. More commonly, they counsel each other. 'The scenes are horrific,' Wiseman said. 'So a lot of times they'll talk about it in the locker room or the break room. They might go out and grab a beer after work or dinner and just talk about it, to just try and get their own feelings out so they can not keep it inside.' So how were such scenes dealt with before Trauma Services? Crudely, suggested Wiseman. 'Ten or fifteen years ago, the only thing you'd see is the fire department coming in after everything is taken care of and all the evidence is collected, and they'd wash the blood down the closest drain,' he said. 'We worked in a municipality where a new firefighter grabbed the hose and turned it on high. And as soon as it hit the ground, it came up and it splattered three other firefighters that were in the area. They were covered in blood from the streets.' In another situation, Wiseman said a municipality thought it had cleaned up thoroughly after a fatal motor vehicle accident but didn't realize brain tissue was still in the streets. 'So we were called in the next day because the family went out to put flowers and arrangements on that street corner,' he said. 'And here they walk in and there's still blood and tissue and other things on the ground. So that municipality called us in.' Brian Ford began working at Trauma Services about a year ago. He had reservations, initially, about whether he would last. 'Would I be able to stomach it,' he said. 'Would I be able to mentally disperse what I saw at work, at home?' Ford, a father of two, said that in an odd way the job has given him a greater sense of appreciation for life's sweeter moments. 'Some people say you might get desensitized to this kind of thing because you do it every day,' he said. 'But I think it makes you actually hypersensitive to your surroundings and your awareness of life -- like, what's going on besides your own life. Everyone has their own story and everybody has their own things going on. And we kind of get brought into the dark part of those stories. It's definitely taught me that there are much worse situations than yours out there. No matter what you're going through, somebody else is going through something worse than you today.' Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
