Ambulance buses will treat trauma on site

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The three ambulance buses in Dubai are expected to save lives by allowing doctors to perform operations at the roadside.

Three buses kitted out with high-tech medical equipment, including intensive care apparatus and operating tables, will be deployed across Dubai within the coming year, Medical Times has learnt.

The ambulance buses will provide immediate trauma care, and even operate on victims, at the site of mass emergencies. The buses have the capacity to treat more than 100 victims at one time.

The investment of AED14  million  (US$3,800,000) by the Centre for Ambulance Services will help to save lives, as casualties will no  longer have to wait until they reach the hospital for treatment, said Dr Omar Alsakaf, emergency medical service consultant at the centre.

"Time is crucial when someone is bleeding with trauma. They are in shock and the buses will get there in 10 minutes and save lives.

"[The buses] are very high -tech with operating tables, anaesthetic machines, ultrasound and proper monitoring equipment - all the facilities you need for treating emergencies on the road," he added.

Each of the buses has been individually designed for use in the Emirate, but they were first used in Germany during the 2006 World Cup football.

Designs vary, with one style able to carry up to 38 people with more minor injuries,  able to be managed sitting up with oxygen. A second design is equipped for more serious casualties, and includes two ITU beds and one operating table.

Each bus will require a team of between five and six trauma doctors, paramedics and specialist nurses, who will undergo five days of mass casualty training before they can go out in the field.

"During any mass casualty we have a huge number of people we can call into help," Dr Alsakaf said. "Paramedics on the bus will be trained to deal with more injured people."

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