In the wake of the tragic Shanthinagar accident that claimed two lives, Bengaluru's ambulance crews are speaking out against public perception that they recklessly endanger lives while responding to emergencies.
The Other Side of the Siren
"When people see an ambulance speeding, they assume we're being irresponsible. What they don't see is the critical patient inside whose life depends on every second," explains an ambulance driver with over a decade of experience in Bengaluru's emergency response network.
The recent collision between an ambulance and a scooter in Shanthinagar, which resulted in two fatalities, has sparked intense debate about emergency vehicle protocols in the city.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Ambulance personnel reveal the impossible choices they face daily:
- Navigating through Bengaluru's notorious traffic jams
- Balancing speed with safety when transporting critical patients
- Dealing with motorists who refuse to give way
- Managing the stress of life-and-death situations
"We're trained professionals, not joyriders," emphasizes a paramedic who wished to remain anonymous. "Every decision we make is calculated to save the patient in our care while minimizing risk to others."
The Reality of Emergency Response
Contrary to popular belief, ambulance crews follow strict protocols:
- Using sirens and lights appropriately to alert other vehicles
- Undergoing specialized defensive driving training
- Maintaining vehicles to highest safety standards
- Constantly communicating with hospital teams
"The public needs to understand that when they hear a siren, someone's life is hanging in the balance," says a senior emergency medical technician.
A Call for Understanding and Cooperation
Ambulance crews aren't asking for special treatment—just cooperation. They urge Bengaluru's motorists to:
- Stay alert for emergency vehicle sirens
- Move aside safely when possible
- Avoid blocking ambulance pathways
- Understand that their urgency serves a life-saving purpose
The Shanthinagar tragedy has highlighted the need for better public awareness about emergency vehicle protocols and the challenging work of ambulance crews who race against time to save lives every day.
