Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt will deploy 335 new ambulances for 108 service to replace old ones. Of this, 315 are basic life support units, 14 advanced life support ambulances equipped with ventilators, and six are neonatal ambulances.Pre-delivery checks are in progress for the new ambulances.Officials said the vehicles will be deployed shortly after registration is completed.The new vehicles were brought to Thiruvananthapuram in phases from Hyderabad and Bengaluru. At present, the ambulances parked at the Iranimuttom Homeo Pharmacy ground and within the Pulayanarkotta Hospital premises are being fitted with life-saving equipment and branded with stickers.In addition, vehicle manufacturers are carrying out the second phase of pre-delivery inspections.As soon as these inspections and the installation of essential emergency equipment are completed, the vehicles will be registered with the motor vehicles department.This is the first time ambulances with such facilities like neonatal units are being introduced in the state as part of the 108 service.Once the new fleet becomes operational, the 316 old basic life support ambulances currently running will be fully phased out, said an official.
