What began as an emergency referral journey from Gandacherra Sub-Divisional Hospital to Dhalai District Hospital turned into an unexpected race against time when a 24-year-old pregnant woman went into labour inside a moving 102 ambulance.

On Friday evening, Katalbi Tripura, a resident of Shibram Para in Haripur under Dhalai district of Tripura, was referred from Gandacherra Sub-Divisional Hospital at around 5:05 pm for further medical care at Dhalai District Hospital.

The ambulance had covered part of the route and was nearing the 8 Mile area close to Ambassa when Katalbi's labour pain suddenly intensified. Realising that there was little time to reach the hospital, ambulance driver Bishnu Rung Reang immediately stopped the vehicle.

Suren Tripura, the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) accompanying the patient, quickly stepped in and assisted with the delivery inside the ambulance.

With timely intervention and professional handling, the EMT helped the woman deliver a healthy baby boy weighing approximately 2.8 kg.

The mother and newborn were subsequently taken to Dhalai District Hospital, where both are currently reported to be in stable and healthy condition.

The episode once again highlights the critical role played by emergency ambulance personnel, who often have to respond to situations that go far beyond routine transportation.

According to Bhavatosh Das, District Inspector of 102 Ambulance Services in Dhalai, more than a hundred deliveries have previously taken place inside ambulances in the district, with trained EMTs providing assistance during such emergencies.

Das also urged residents across Dhalai to make greater use of the emergency ambulance service whenever required. He appealed to people to dial the toll-free 102 number for timely emergency transportation and assistance, stressing that public awareness and cooperation can help ensure that patients receive emergency support without delay.