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World Heart Day is an occasion to spread the message that the leading cause of death in the world is heart disease and stroke and that most of the deaths — 17.1 million lives are lost each year — could be prevented. The day began to be observed in the year 2000 and falls on the last Sunday of September. From this year onwards, it will be celebrated on September 29 each year. The theme this year is One World, One Home, One Heart. The focus of this year’s celebration is on increasing awareness about the global impact of the heart disease and stroke.
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are caused by disorders of the heart and blood vessels, and include coronary heart disease (heart attack), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), raised blood pressure (hypertension), congenital heart disease and heart failure. Of the CVDs, heart attacks and strokes are usually acute and mainly caused by blockages that prevent blood from flowing to the heart and brain. According to World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs are the world’s largest killers with an average of 17.1 million deaths per year, with over 80% of deaths in low and middle income countries.
The increase in the incidence of heart disease is due to rising urbanization and industrialization, increased life expectancy (Greater number of aged people susceptible to heart disease), adoption of `Western’ lifestyles with regard to diet, alcohol, and lack of physical activity and a number of other health, economic, social, behavioral and demographic characteristics of the global era.
Cardiovascular diseases are assuming frightening proportions all over India. While the reasons are not yet well understood, a faulty diet, tobacco, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and increased insulin resistance, less physical activity, introduction of fast food and some unknown genetic factors are to be blamed.
GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute in Public Private Partnership with Govt. of Chhattisgarh has set up the 108 Emergency Response Operations in the state. The toll-free number 1-0-8 provides integrated Emergency Response to Medical, Police and Fire Emergencies. A state of the art Emergency Response (Call) Center has been established in Raipur to receive and support the Emergency Calls for the entire state.
In case of medical emergencies, a state of the art Ambulance equipped with life saving equipments and drugs and manned by a trained Emergency Medical Technician and a Pilot reaches the Emergency Scene. The victim/patient is taken inside the Ambulance and the Ambulance moves to the nearest Hospital. On the way to the Hospital, the EMT checks the vitals, sets-up a conference with the Doctor stationed at the Call Center, administers Pre-Hospital Care treatment under the guidance of the Doctor. The idea is to stabilize the patient in the critical golden hour of emergency so that precious life can be saved.
With the start of its operations in Chhattisgarh on 25th January 2011, GVK EMRI Chhattisgarh has handled more than 26081 Medical Emergencies in which 588 cases were Cardiac related. Out of 588 Cardiac Emergencies, there were 525 cases of chest pain and 29 cases of elevated blood pressure. 108 Sanjeevani Express, as the Ambulance is referred to in Chhattisgarh, saved these lives by reaching the scene on time and giving proper pre-hospital care to the patient.
In times of Cardiac related Emergencies, generally, people use their own transport or any public transport available at the hour. This may prove to be a risky proposition in the absence of affectionate pre-hospital care, when every single moment is critical to life. In such a critical moment, dialing 1-0-8 and waiting for the Ambulance is a much wiser move as within a few minutes you get a transport facility which is fully equipped with medicines, equipments, as well as an Emergency Medical Technician who has been trained to provide affectionate Pre-Hospital Care on the way to the Hospital.
Dr. Surendra Pambhoi, Deputy Director, Directorate of Health Services and State Nodal Officer for 108 Emergency Response Service, Govt of CG says, Cardiovascular attacks and related emergencies pose serious threat to life and demand immediate and timely medical support. Every minute is crucial for life. Rather than a normal vehicle or a public transport, 108 Sanjeevani Express Ambulance which is equipped with right medicines, Oxygen, Life Support equipments and a trained Emergency Medical Technician, should be used. Effective Pre-Hospital Care is the key to life saving in Cardiac Emergencies. What more if the service is available 24 x 7 and is absolutely free of cost. I appeal to the people of Chhattisgarh to dial 1-0-8 and avail the services of 108 Sanjeevani Express in times of Cardiac and Heart related Emergency situations.
Mr. Purshottam Verma, COO, GVK EMRI, Chhattisgarh says “Heart attack is extremely unpredictable and may lead to death. Whenever anyone faces symptoms of sudden chest pain associated with nausea, vomiting, palpitations or sweating immediately call 108, we are there 24x7 at your service.”
On the World Cardiac Day, Team 108 Emergency Services Chhattisgarh recommits and rededicates to save more lives each day and thereby contribute in making Chhattisgarh, a healthier, safer and prosperous place on Earth.
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