Medics of the Apollo Bramwell Hospital will soon ride to the rescue on Harley-Davidson motorbikes, a first in Mauritius and the region.

The hi-tech hospital will put three first responder motorbikes on Mauritian roads as they zip through traffic faster than traditional ambulances and increase chances of saving lives.

“As the population continues to grow and traffic congestion continues to be become more of an issue, ambulances sometimes get caught in traffic no matter how loud their sirens blare,” says Mrs Valerie Rawat, Chief Executive Officer at Apollo Bramwell. “ABH is currently equipped with state of the art Mercedes-Benz ambulances and this will soon be complemented with Harley Davidson Motorbikes, now available in Mauritius. Our philosophy is simple: The best response is the fastest response.”

Expected to be operational in the next few weeks, the bikes will be manned by a professional emergency response teams consisting of an experienced rider for increased road safety and a doctor. The Harleys will be equipped with medical equipment and supplies necessary for first medical intervention.

Emergency motorcycle ambulances exist and are efficient in the first responder roles around the globe including Europe, the US, Japan and Brazil.

“Basically, the motorbikes would carry almost the same equipment as an ambulance, except for stretchers,” said David Gray, Deputy Chairman of Apollo Bramwell. The Harleys will be painted in the hospital’s colours, he added. “We think we can make a difference and save lives. This is what Apollo Bramwell Hospital is about.”

Says Dr Miodrag Todorovic, Chief Quality Clinician at Apollo Bramwell: “Every second counts in the event of medical trauma. This initiative aims to introduce the latest technology in emergency response to Mauritius and Africa. We chose to opt for Harley Davidson motorbikes as they are the best globally and they will be effective in delivering prompt medical service.”

Just like all ABH emergency vehicles, the motorbikes will be tracked by Geotab Total Fleet and Resource Management GPS, and monitored on 24/7 live basis from the dispatch control room (NAVEO System). The first medical response motorbikes will be strategically located around the island for increased accessibility, faster and more effective interventions.