Most drivers pull over when they hear an ambulance siren. But not everyone knows that each sound signals a different stage of an emergency.

A recently released Kerala Police video breaks this down clearly. It explains how these life-saving signals work and why recognising them can help the public respond better. The information has also been shared on the police’s official social media platforms.

Understanding the main ambulance sirens

The most commonly heard sound is the WAIL. This is used when an ambulance is travelling to reach a patient. It indicates that help is on the way and the vehicle is still empty.

Once a patient is inside, the siren switches to YELP. This is a stronger alert to motorists. It signals that a patient is on board and traffic should clear immediately so the ambulance can reach the hospital quickly.

Sounds used in critical situations

Some sirens are reserved for more serious emergencies. The HYPER YELP indicates a critical patient condition or a major accident. It calls for the highest urgency from surrounding traffic.

There is also the HI-LO siren. This is used during time-sensitive medical missions — such as transporting organs for transplant or rushing a patient for emergency surgery.

Recognising these sounds, the awareness message suggests, helps people better understand the seriousness of the medical situation unfolding behind the tinted glass.