Delhi: In master plan tweak, AIIMS to have a bigger fire station

New Delhi: As part of the master plan for the redevelopment of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), a big fire station will be built that will cater to not only the hospital but also to nearby areas, like South Extension, Defence Colony, INA Market, Lajpat Nagar, Green Park and Sarojini Nagar.

Initially, the plan was to build a smaller fire station that would have been only for the medical facility.

"There has been a change in the plan and more space has been allocated now. A big station will play an important role in the safety of patients as well as people living in nearby areas," a fire department official said.

A small fire station has one fire tender and 10-15 firefighters while a bigger station has at least four fire tenders and over 40 firefighters. The department has small fire stations in areas near the Supreme Court, Parliament, MCD and Delhi Secretariat.

Delhi Fire Service (DFS) director Atul Garg said the plan for a big fire station at AIIMS was put forward to the master plan committee and accepted. "It's an important step for the safety of people. We have also given suggestions on other fire safety measures for the hospital," he added.

Garg said the department has also proposed broader escape routes and the installation of fire equipment at strategic places, which will help firefighters during rescue operations. "We have asked to provide more exit routes in the redeveloped building," he added.

Another officer said fires at hospitals can trap patients, increasing the possibility of casualties. "In other situations, people inside the burning structures can run out, but in hospitals, many patients cannot walk or are admitted to ICU. They have to be rescued from the wards," he added.

A fire station at the hospital will save time, another officer said, adding it can help rescue people in the golden hour when emergency treatment is crucial.