The Mangalore International Airport (MIA) incorporated two state-of-the-art crash ambulances into its motor vehicle fleet on Monday.
Mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the new crash ambulances will replace the existing ones as the latter have reached the end of their utility span.
The MIA also has a third crash ambulance on standby. The DGCA norms require MIA, a Category 7 airport, to have two crash ambulances.
Specially fabricated as per specifications given by the airport, these ambulances have wider bodies and can accommodate up to five stretchers during emergencies. The ambulances also have in-built space for two oxygen cylinders of 50 kg capacity each.
Connected in parallel, these cylinders can supply piped oxygen to the outlet point at the stretchers. There is also an in-built alarm system to indicate when oxygen level drops below critical limit.
The ambulance is air-conditioned and has blowers to ensure that cool air reaches all corners.
There is a separate seating arrangement for medical staff to travel with the occupants. Provision has also been made for a mini water tank to supply water to a mini wash basin and a dust bin to ensure hygiene. A fire extinguisher is present for safety. An LED clock, too, has been installed inside the ambulance.
The ambulances are placed under the command of the aerodrome rescue and firefighting (ARFF) unit. ARFF has trained staff to operate these agile lifesaving vehicles.