IE: Parsi Ambulance Division have completed a 100 years of emergency care: October 27, 2008

 

 

INSIDE an elegant, magentacoloured building that overlooks the bustling Metro Cinema junc tion, is a group of Samaritans who are part of an institution that has been providing the city with medical aid for over 100 years- a legacy that remains unmatched among Mumbai’s ambulance services. The Parsi Ambulance Division, which works out of the Lady Willingdon Building, was set up in 1904, and continues to render its services to the citizens of Mumbai city, often even serving patients beyond its borders, in places within and outside Maharashtra in times of need. Starting out as a branch of the internationally known St John’s Ambulance Brigade, the Parsi Ambulance Division is almost a misnomer, since it has catered to and still caters to every section of society, irrespective of caste or creed. “Most people believe that since our name has the word ‘Parsi’ in it we cater only to the Parsi community. But we serve anyone who needs help, and do not confine ourselves only to the Parsi community. The only difference is that the entire division is run by Parsis,” says Aspi Sarkari, the division’s commander who has been with the division for 45 years. Any Parsi who chooses to work with the division and wants to become a member must first obtain a certification from the head-office in Delhi, granting them the status of a First-Aider. All 37 members in the ambulance division are trained in First-Aid. The division is steeped in history and has published a booklet with details of their centennial achievements. Members of the Parsi Ambulance Division were present to extend a helping hand during the First World War, the Influenza Epidemic of 1918, the riots of 1929 and 1946 (where two members were stabbed during the attack), and other times of crisis like the riots of 1992 and the Latur earth quake of 1993. “Our ambulances are present wherever there is a major crisis or disaster. Our members were present when the Bhuj earthquake occurred and at the time the tsunami took place. Even at the time of the bomb blasts, riots and house collapses, we have had our units at the spot,” says Sarkari. A room on the first floor of the building also houses a replica of the two-wheel hand litter that was used to transport patients before cars came into being. A rough look-alike of a handcart, the litter is hand-drawn, has two wheels and a space for two people to be seated on opposite sides. Later a horse brougham was used after which the first Ford motor ambulance in the city was bought and used by the division. While their funds are all from donations made by past patients and well-wishers, all the work done by the members is voluntary, and they also have a free dispensary which is open on weekday evenings. “We also conduct first-aid classes for the general public and other corporate organisations,” says Homi Wadia, another member who has been with the division for 40 years. The Lady Willingdon Building has a history of its own. Constructed in 1934, the building won an award from the Heritage Society in 1993 for being in good shape even though it was more than 60 years old at the time. After renovations last year, the building, like the organization it houses, simply cannot be missed.