Ambulance drivers in a fix

Rawalpindi : In Rawalpindi, the sound of an ambulance siren has become a haunting reminder of a persistent and growing problem. Instead of speeding through traffic, these emergency vehicles often find themselves trapped in a gridlock of cars, and buses.

“What should be a quick dash to the hospital often turns into an agonizing wait, with precious minutes slipping away in the chaos,” says Ammara Batool.

“This is not a one-off incident; it is a daily ordeal. Roads, once smooth tracks of the city, have rapidly developed into bustling areas. With three schools located within a 500-metre radius of each other, the morning and evening rush hours have become a nightmare,” says Taqdees Zahra.

“Traffic rush has further narrowed the already constricted roads, leaving little room for vehicles to maneuver. This can lead to dire consequences for those caught in the chaotic traffic situation, especially emergency responders,” adds Taqdees.

“We feel the pressure. With less traffic, it takes just 20 minutes to reach the hospital. Now we are lucky if we can make it in double that time,” says, Mohsin Raza, an ambulance driver reflecting on the growing challenge of getting patients to the hospital for treatment on time.

“Being a veteran ambulance driver for 17 years, I feel driving an ambulance during school pick-up hours has become incredibly difficult. Sometimes, even the hospital staff has to step out to help clear the traffic. We are here to save lives, but the gridlock makes it quite difficult,” says Shabbir Hussain.

“The influx of school buses and the many private cars picking up schoolchildren exacerbates the situation. Parking is another major issue near the school premises. It is time to rethink how we manage this traffic, because at the end of the day, saving lives is more important,” says Gulfam Ali.

“The daily gridlock is not just a frustration for residents but a serious public safety issue. The usual commute has become an ordeal; with travel times doubling, if not more. The congestion not only causes inconvenience, it endangers lives, as ambulances struggle to reach people with medical emergencies,” says Shadab Haider.

“The ambulance drivers’ recommendations are practical and urgent to reduce peak hour congestion, create dedicated lanes for emergency vehicles, and address the parking issues near the schools,” says Qaem Raza.

“As these drivers continue their daily battle against the gridlock, their message is clear. The roads in Rawalpindi are more than just pathways; they are lifelines. The authorities must prioritize public safety by implementing the solutions swiftly, ensuring that lives are not put at risk because of preventable delays,” adds Qaem.