Cops conduct emergency medical drill in Puri temple | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Puri police conducted a mock drill at Jagannath temple on Wednesday to evaluate emergency medical response readiness, following multiple incidents of health-related issues affecting devotees and servitors at the shrine. The exercise focused on strengthening coordination among various stakeholders to improve emergency response capabilities, police sources said.
Police stated that the exercise aimed to evaluate the readiness and coordination between police, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), health staff and emergency response units during medical emergencies within the temple complex.
Over the past four months, at least 20 devotees with pre-existing health conditions needed urgent medical care. Several devotees lost consciousness due to severe heatwave conditions in the recent days.
“The initiative is part of Puri police’s ongoing commitment to strengthen emergency response mechanisms, enhance inter-agency coordination, and ensure the safety and well-being of devotees and sevayats (servitors),” Puri SP, Vinit Agrawal, said.
The exercise included a practical demonstration where a devotee was shown collapsing near the sanctum sanctorum. Security personnel and temple management responded immediately. The drill involved police officers, ambulance services, medical personnel, SJTA and fire service staff following standard operating procedures (SOP)s.
“The injured (dummy) devotee was swiftly evacuated using stretchers through the shortest exit path, with crowd control ensured by police. On-site first aid was administered by medical staff. The internal communication and alert systems, including wireless communication among key personnel, were tested for efficiency and timeliness,” Agrawal said.
Officials stated that the exercise proceeded without interfering with temple rituals or movement of devotees. “Visitors present inside the temple appreciated and supported the initiative. We also took their feedback in further improving the system. Such drills are crucial in building confidence among devotees and staff while also identifying potential gaps in emergency planning,” the SP said.
He addedg that Puri police will continue to organise such drills regularly in collaboration with key stakeholders, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce response time and ensure complete preparedness for all types of emergencies.
Police stated that the exercise aimed to evaluate the readiness and coordination between police, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), health staff and emergency response units during medical emergencies within the temple complex.
Over the past four months, at least 20 devotees with pre-existing health conditions needed urgent medical care. Several devotees lost consciousness due to severe heatwave conditions in the recent days.
“The initiative is part of Puri police’s ongoing commitment to strengthen emergency response mechanisms, enhance inter-agency coordination, and ensure the safety and well-being of devotees and sevayats (servitors),” Puri SP, Vinit Agrawal, said.
The exercise included a practical demonstration where a devotee was shown collapsing near the sanctum sanctorum. Security personnel and temple management responded immediately. The drill involved police officers, ambulance services, medical personnel, SJTA and fire service staff following standard operating procedures (SOP)s.
“The injured (dummy) devotee was swiftly evacuated using stretchers through the shortest exit path, with crowd control ensured by police. On-site first aid was administered by medical staff. The internal communication and alert systems, including wireless communication among key personnel, were tested for efficiency and timeliness,” Agrawal said.
Officials stated that the exercise proceeded without interfering with temple rituals or movement of devotees. “Visitors present inside the temple appreciated and supported the initiative. We also took their feedback in further improving the system. Such drills are crucial in building confidence among devotees and staff while also identifying potential gaps in emergency planning,” the SP said.
He addedg that Puri police will continue to organise such drills regularly in collaboration with key stakeholders, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce response time and ensure complete preparedness for all types of emergencies.
