Rescue 1122 ‘saves 53,000 lives’ in a year

Rescue 1122 says it has set a new record in Rawalpindi by saving over 53,000 lives in various accidents throughout 2023.

Despite the digitisation of services, the helpline received more than 0.4 million bogus calls, with the majority seeking addresses of offices. In response, warnings were issued to over 200 chronic callers.

In the event of non-rectification, the facility to call the helpline number 1122 from specific numbers was discontinued.

According to Rescue 1122 data, out of the 0.46 million calls received in 2023, only 59,636 were deemed legitimate, while the rest were identified as bogus. Authorities have identified 200 mobile numbers associated with habitual callers engaging in calls offering friendship, transportation information, and addresses of various locations.

Of the legitimate calls, 33,846 were related to medical emergencies, with 16,008 calls for assistance in road traffic accidents.

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Throughout the year, Rescue 1122 responded to 1,284 fire incidents, saving lives and protecting properties worth billions of rupees. The data further reveals 1,773 emergency calls related to injuries from street crime, violence, and fights. Water rescue crews saved lives in 30 cases of drowning, while 22 incidents of structural collapses were managed effectively.

Emergency professionals responded to 32 gas leaks and cylinder explosions. Additionally, 6,641 incidents related to kite flying, including falls, chemical-laced string injuries, and electrocution, were addressed with timely first aid.

Moreover, rescue teams provided timely first aid to 18,116 individuals in 56,175 emergency cases, transporting 35,101 critically injured persons to nearby hospitals. Furthermore, 2,958 bodies of natural or accidental deaths were transported by Rescue 1122. Officials emphasised the commitment of support teams to reach scenes promptly and provide immediate assistance to victims.

Officials said the goal of the Rescue 1122 support teams was to rush to the scene without delay and start helping the victims right away.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2023.