Abdul Tameem and Jinto Mani are still in the hang of that journey from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram. Their phones are flooded with congratulatory calls and messages from every nook and corner of the state. They are tired from the journey, but extremely happy to be a part of the noble venture. “We are happy,” they say. The duo, hailing from Kasaragod, became the centre of attraction when they took the risk of transporting a 57-day-old newborn baby with a critical heart ailment from Pariyaram Medical College, Kannur, to Sri Chitra Institute, Thiruvananthapuram — covering 508 km — on Wednesday. With the help of other good Samaritans, they completed the journey, which could have otherwise taken 10 to 14 hours, within 6 hours 50 minutes. “It was a collective effort. It just got materialised through us,” says Tameem. “Ambulance drivers across the state, local people, the police and volunteers worked together to make this possible,” adds the 26-year-old, who has been driving the ambulance for the past five years.
When Tameem got a call from his vehicle’s owner Muneer, he had no clue about the risk part. “The patient is from Kasaragod. They contacted my owner. He asked me to go to Pariyaram Medical College with an ICU vehicle,” Tameem recalls the day. Jinto, Tameem’s friend, was also with him. “He called me and we rushed to the place. I didn’t even change my dress as it was an emergency,” says Jinto. It was after reaching the spot they realised the gravity of the situation. “The baby has a congenital heart problem. When the heart’s functioning is not proper, it would affect the working of the lungs. So, the baby wasn’t able to breathe properly. The baby was being taken to Sri Chitra for an immediate surgery. The pediatrician had told me that the baby wouldn’t survive, even for a minute, without oxygen. We could take the baby till Thiruvananthapuram with 4 litre oxygen. The journey was not easy,” says Jinto. When Tameem realised the depth of the issue, he contacted his boss, who responded positively. Things were beginning to change in the next few hours. A message was sent to the WhatsApp group of All Kerala Ambulance Drivers’ Association.
“We then informed the police control room. They sent flying squads in two vehicles. A lot of other organisations and people gave their support. I cannot recollect them all,” says Tameem. “There was a slight delay at Pariyaram, but that turned into a blessing. We could utilise that time to pass the information and form a group that worked like a chain from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram,” says Jinto. The ambulance carrying the baby, three bystanders, Jinto and Tameem began the journey. Although they were apprehensive about the outcome, they decided to give it a shot. “I know it was a risk and even thought twice before undertaking it,” says Jinto.
“We started the journey at 8.20 pm and reached Thiruvananthapuram at 3.30 am,” says Tameem. The only halt was at Kozhikode for five minutes to fill fuel. The child’s bystander sat next to Tameem and updated the route on groups. “At every point, people waited for us to pass. The volunteers made sure that the road was empty. In every district, police flying squads from respective stations joined us, like passing the baton. We followed them. Tameem could apply the brakes only when humps and dividers came. He just had to keep the meter above 100 throughout. Others made our journey so smooth,” says Jinto. “Our target was 8 hours, but we reached before that. We are happy that it was a success,” says Jinto.
“It was an unforgettable experience. We are grateful to all those who stayed awake throughout the night to help us. It wouldn’t have been possible without their help,” Tameem turns emotional. “It was team work. People shared the information through WhatsApp and Facebook. Some even went live on Facebook when we passed by. All of this helped,” says Jinto. Challenges have been many, but they are satisfied that they could make it. The journey, in all ways, reminded Malayalis of the movie Traffic directed by Rajesh Pillai. The movie portrayed an organ transplant from a brain-dead person. “We don’t know who suggested this idea. But, that movie has been an influence. We had a model. We knew we could do it though we weren’t sure about the success rate,” says Jinto. “That movie crossed my mind when I understood the situation. But, I wasn’t tensed. Support from others boosted my confidence,” says Tameem. This incident has made these two celebrities. But, they are not affected by it because they know it wouldn’t have happened with just two people. Back at home, they have returned to their normal lives. They are just happy that they could do something brave in life.
