Thodupuzha, Kerala: In a remarkable display of coordination and urgency, a young man who had suffered a severe head injury was transported from Kollam to Thodupuzha for advanced treatment in just two and a half hours on Wednesday, covering a distance of 150 kilometres that would typically take four.

The patient, Vishnu (29), a native of Thattakuzha in Karimannoor, had sustained critical injuries to his head and shoulder in a motorcycle accident on August 15 while working as a chef in Kollam. He was initially admitted to a private hospital in Kollam, where he had been undergoing treatment for over a month.

Due to the severity of the head trauma, part of Vishnu’s skull had been surgically removed and preserved in a specialised freezing unit. Doctors decided to transfer him to Holy Family Hospital in Thodupuzha for continued care and better medical facilities, with the hope of reattaching the skull once his condition stabilised.

The ambulance departed Kollam hospital at precisely 11:56 am on Wednesday, with an estimated arrival time of 4:00 pm. Defying expectations, it reached its destination by 2:20 PM, navigating through five districts. The route covered Kollam, Kottarakkara, Adoor, Pandalam, Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Pala, and finally reached Thodupuzha via Muthalakodam.

Local residents, auto-rickshaw drivers, police officers, and members of the ambulance network worked in tandem to clear the route and ensure a smooth passage. Advance alerts were issued along the route to facilitate the journey.

Muhammed Fazal, who drove the ambulance, reported only minor traffic blocks. He was accompanied by coordinator Ansari and emergency medical technician Sameesh Marcos. Upon arrival, Vishnu was immediately admitted to the ICU, where treatment commenced under the supervision of Dr Atheeq from the emergency department.