Since April 2009, ASR has arranged first aid camps outside the main entrance to Sri Darbar Sahib (the ‘Golden Temple’ complex), Amritsar. These are held to provide free first aid to the huge numbers of visitors on and around major Sikh festivals.
Millions of people from around India and the world converge on the holiest Sikh place of worship on Vaisakhi (April), Guru Ram Das Ji’s birth anniversary (October) and Diwali/Bandi Chhor Divas (October/November), the festivals on which ASR’s first aid post is open for 48-72 hours non-stop.
Our doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals see a variety of minor ailments and injuries, though a small number are seriously unwell, with some even requiring transfer to hospital after initial stabilisation. ASR’s ambulance is always on hand to enable this.
A summary of the camps held so far is provided below, with a selection of pictures, to give you an idea of how they run.
| Dates | Number seen (approx) |
| 13-15 April 2009 | 3500 |
| 8-10 Oct 2009 | 3000 |
| 16-17 Oct 2009 | 2000 |
| 13-15 April 2010 | 2500 |
| 8-10 Oct 2010 | 2500 |
| 4-6 Nov 2010 | 2000 |
| 13-14 April 2011 | 2500 |
| 8-10 Oct 2011 | 2500 |
| 12-14 April 2012 | 2000 |
| 8-10 Oct 2012 | 2700 |
| 12-14 April 2013 | 2000 |
| 8-10 Oct 2013 | 2300 |
| 11-14 April 2014 | 3000 |
| 7-10 Oct 2014 | 4000 |
| 11-14 April 2015 | 1715 |
| 27-29 Oct 2015 | 2637 |
| 11-14 April 2016 | 1700 |
| Oct 2016 | 3245 |
| 12-14 April 2017 | 1629 |
| 5-9 Oct 2017 | 3172 |
TOTAL = 50598
