In a one-of-its-kind initiative, Hero MotoCorp will be donating 60 first-responder bike ambulances to authorities
This is part of the company’s comprehensive strategy to tackle the on-going coronavirus pandemic. These mobile ambulances will act as a bridge to connect patients with healthcare centres and hospitals. These are meant to be used for patients located in rural or remote areas, where standard ambulance services may not be available. Hero MotoCorp will hand over these first-responder mobile ambulances to authorities in various parts of the country.
The bike ambulances are customized units that carry a range of equipment such as oxygen cylinder, first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher. They come with the typical red and yellow blinkers, as seen on standard ambulances. First responders will also have access to a loudspeaker (probably for crowd management), siren and wireless set to communicate with hospital staff or authorities.
For the bike ambulances, Hero MotoCorp has used its Xtreme 200R. It is equipped with features such as hazard lights, side stand engine cut-off, inverted LCD console, and programmed FI.
The primary structure of the bike ambulance comprises a stretcher bed that has been attached to the bike on left side. The stretcher bed comes with its own wheels and suspension system. While it’s an open stretcher, the vertically placed hooded section at the rear with blinkers seems adequate to warn other road users. This appears to be an important design element aimed at improving safety on the road.
In addition to the bike ambulances, Hero MotoCorp will be contributing Rs 100 Crore (US$ 14 million) towards on-going COVID-19 relief-efforts in India. Half of this will be donated to PM-Cares Fund and the remaining Rs 50 crore will be utilized for other initiatives.
As and when needed, the company has also offered its 2000-bed hostel to be used as isolation and treatment ward for Covid-19 patients. This facility is part of BML Munjal University, which is owned by Hero Group. It is located at Dharuhera in the state of Haryana. The facility will be given to local health department, if needed.
Hero MotoCorp is also helping daily-wage workers, stranded labourers and homeless families, who have been hit hard by coronavirus pandemic. The company is distributing more than 15,000 meals every day to these people across various states such as Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp – Statement on Lockdown Extension
“I support the honorable Prime Minister’s move to extend the lockdown till May 3rd, with the topmost priority being the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of our country. The decision to allow graded relaxation and partial opening of certain areas from April 21st that show improvement is also welcome.”
“While continuing to play its role in supporting the government through various means and measures, Corporate India looks forward to a suitable stimulus package from the government that will give a boost to our economy.”
“At Hero MotoCorp, we remain committed to extending our resources to support the government and also safeguarding everyone in our larger ecosystem, including our employees and their families. At a time such as this, we all have to scale up our efforts and contributions manifold to also ensure the wellbeing of the most affected section of society.”