Emergency ambulance service 108 has proved to be a saviour for octogenarian foreign tourist on visit to the interior tribal belt of Himachal Pradesh.

A foreign tourist from Germany Christen Boss (a retired judge) during his visit to Kaza in Lahaul and Spiti district along with his friends suffered pain in the chest and was suspected to have suffered cardiac arrest on Saturday evening.

As his condition got serious, he was admitted to the Government Hospital Kaza. He was shifted to Rampur in 108 emergency ambulance services, after he was referred to Mahatma Gandhi Medical Services Khaneri in Rampur in Shimla district.

He was kept under supervision at Rampur hospital till his condition got stable and the doctors referred him to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC).

As the tourist was alone, he was assisted by Pawan Negi a social worker from Rampur who got in touch with the relatives of Christian back in German.

Pawan discussed the medical condition of the patient and his relatives suggested him to be shifted to PGI or Fortis hospital in an ambulance well equipped with adequate medical equipment and staff.

Pawan Negi who is along with the patient at IGMC said, “When the Fortis hospital was contacted they demanded Rs 60,000 for the ambulance, which was not possible for me to instantly arrange. I got in touch with the family members and convinced them that the 108 ambulance service was well equipped and that the patient would be in safe hands.”

The service of 108 emergency ambulances was again sought to shift Christian to IGMC and was constantly provided medical assistance by the staff with the help of the equipments while shifting him to IGMC.

Himachal Pradesh, GVK, EMRI State Head, Mehul Sukumaran appreciating the efforts of the team of the emergency service providers said, “The German patient under the supervision of medical staff and life saving equipment was safely transported from Kaza to IGMC covering a distance of about 412 kms.”

His medical condition was under constant monitoring, he said, adding that Christian was administered oxygen supply at the rate of 8 to 10 litres per minute, his heart beat was 74 beats per minute, Blood Oxygen Saturation level SPO was 92 percent and Blood Pressure recorded was 100/60 mm/hg.

The patient was admitted to IGMC hospital in the CCU on Monday night and is seeking treatment.

IGMC, Department of Cardiology, Assistant Professor Rajesh Sharma said, “The condition of Christian is stable. We are looking into the diagnostic issues to confirm whether he has heart or lungs problem.”