Look who’s calling! The GVK EMRI 108 services, the only
professional emergency service provider in the country has fallen into the same category as the other emergency services around the world thanks to us and our quest for that tangible amount of fun.
Like the ‘911’ and ‘112’ international emergency services, 108 is now facing the same problem, wherein hoax and nuisance calls have become rising trends for the emergency services that are meant to help the people.
Shillong possibly relies on the concept of having some ’emergency fun’.
Launched on February 2, 2009, apart from attending ‘actual’ emergency medical calls, it has also handled many other “serious calls”.
These services are facing a serious problem regarding hoax and nuisance calls which hinders the services to a great extent.
At first we would question, who would we call for rescue in times of emergencies, freak road accidents, etc… now that our questions have been answered with the coming of the EMRI 108, we in turn end up playing with it.
Many have proven to be the perfect mindless idiots who “want to experiment” on “what would happen if I call this number?”.
This does not remain a new fact as people, many a times have displayed their curious habit of calling into the call centre without any reasons, well they probably think it’s fun.
But at that moment of ‘fun’ for them, it’s a moment of tragedy for someone else who is trying to reach to it, but the line ends up busy!
There have been cases when people would call just because they needed to get somewhere on time, with the thought that the EMRI would come to their rescue. Ridiculous and absurd calls have become the highlight of conversations with the EMRI people.
Wake up “Oh fair people of Shillong!” You are not damsels in distress! There are many modes of transportation called ‘buses and taxis’.
Ever since it first started in 2009, the services have received as many as 24173 nuisance calls while the numbers of wrong calls were 13798. It becomes very interesting to see that a 3-digit number is mis-dialled. Looking at our maturity, getting a 10 digit number correct at the first go is credible but at the same time, dialing a wrong 3-digit number is hilarious.
This is the point where one can say that the Government gives up doing well for people. With the noticeable disregard for civic responsibilities that has been the signature move of Shillong, another amenity provided is being misused in all glory!
The EMRI 108 service also received a whopping 45198 no response calls where people called up and do not speak at all. Make it a point that the next time you make a hoax call to the emergency services, at least say ‘Hi’! It doesn’t hurt to be polite. But also keep in mind that at that very time you’re pranking them, someone else is trying to get through the line for an actual medical related emergency. Well, posers have also been a highlight in this territory. Spotlight on… poof! No sign!
Speaking to The Shillong Times on the major problem that the services are facing, project manager of EMRI Dipankar Chaudhury said that when an abusive call continuously disturbs the services, they block the caller for a fixed period of time.
He also informed that the services are trying to create awareness programmes to make people understand the demerits of nuisance calls, which may deprive someone from the much needed medical services.
Coming to 2010, the services had received as many as 63350 nuisance calls besides 60952 no response calls and 46974 missed calls. Let’s get things straight, the 108 services is not doesn’t have time to play “missed call” with anyone that it will “miss-call” anyone back. It is an emergency service for crying out loud!
Reacting to a query about the legal action which can be taken against the hoax callers, Chaudhury said, “We normally don’t go to police as it is a lengthy process.”
According to statistics, the nuisance calls in the year 2011 has risen up to 166444 and the number of pranks calls and abusive calls are 1767 and 506 respectively.
According to Chaudhury, people in the state are still not aware about the services of 108 and are skeptical of using the free services. On a serious note, the services presently have 41 ambulances in 41 locations of the state while considering to launch their services on the 42nd location of the state.
This year till the month of August, the services have received 46880 nuisance calls and 13 abusive calls. Even if the numbers has gone down, there are still 46893 idiots who still don’t understand the value of this service. Let’s hope the numbers reduce with the coming months.
The services claims that they do face a lot of problem in rural areas due to rough terrains and poor communication as the GPS system works only in few locations of the state and the connectivity in rural areas of the state is poor.
It’s about time the Government wakes up and realise that their half constructed roads are fully functional if they want what’s best for everyone.
With 41 ambulances in the service, there are other things that need to be added in order for the service to function at the highest level. Manpower! Yes it indeed plays a very important part in the emergency services. From carrying the injured/ sick patients to driving the buses.
Let this be like a call for those ‘jobless idiots’ who spend their day making prank calls; make a opportunity out of this. Be a part of the service and yes, use the mobile top-up for something meaningful!