BENGALURU: The demo version of a free smartphone-based application that helps ambulances communicate with the traffic police and speed through signals is now ready.
Ashwin Mahesh of Mapunity, the company that designed the app, said, “Used from a phone inside the ambulance, the app transmits its location and alerts traffic cops at signals.”
When the ambulance reaches a traffic signal, these alerts flash on the control screen of the police and other respondents who can then ensure smooth passage of the vehicle. The app is currently being used by Manipal Hospital on a pilot basis.
“I showed the app to the traffic police on Tuesday and they appreciated our effort. I am also trying to promote the app among other hospitals for use in their ambulances,” Mahesh said.
The traffic density on city roads has gone up drastically in the past few years. When an ambulance gets stuck at a signal, the vehicles in front honk to alert the traffic warden. While it works, it still takes time for the route to be cleared.
Keshav N Murthy, a resident of Old Madras Road, said, “Recently, I had to rush my mother to a private hospital as she had had a stroke. It was 11 am in the morning and all the routes to the hospital were choked with vehicles. At every red light, my heart sank. But thankfully, we reached the hospital on time. This app will be a life saver.”
“We will extend the services of this app free of cost to many more hospitals in the city, and also offer it to the traffic police in other cities,” added Mahesh.