Golden Hours for Life

Did you know that around 150,000 people are killed in road accidents each year, which is equivalent to about 400 deaths per day? 2 out of 10 patients die in an ambulance before reaching the hospital in India. More than 50% of heart attack cases arrive late to the hospital. The initial treatment of the patient in the first hour is critical, also known as the 'Golden Hour'. Especially in cases of suicide, stroke, heart attack, and accidents, the golden hour becomes very important. It's crucial that these patients receive medical help within the first hour. The average time it takes for an ambulance to reach the hospital is increasing every year due to growing traffic congestion in the city.

As ambulances play a crucial role in saving patients in emergencies, it's an important duty of every citizen to make way for them. In Germany, both the government and the civilian population take this very seriously. In a clearly defined rule according to Section 11 'Special Traffic Situations', all drivers are expected to 'leave a gap for one direction between the far left lane and the lane immediately to its right so that emergency vehicles can pass'.

As responsible citizens, we must understand that the lives of people in the ambulance are at stake. Showing a little kindness and responsibility towards traffic rules while making way for an ambulance can actually save a life. For drivers, it's important to consider that hearing a siren is the signal to stop on the left side, open the right lane, and not move any vehicle until the ambulance passes. This awareness should be spread among other drivers and encourage them to do the same. Additionally, tailgating the ambulance should be stopped.