Hong Kong paramedics slam new request they submit report every time ambulance runs red light

Hong Kong paramedics have expressed opposition to a new request they submit written reports to management whenever an ambulance runs a red light on the job, saying it could lead to delays and lost lives.

The Fire Services Department, which is responsible for ambulance services in the city, insisted on Friday that it was obligated to verify with frontline staff each situation that led to them running a red light so that it could request an exemption from the law for such occurrences.

Fire trucks and ambulances are exempt from speed limits and traffic light controls if they are heading to an emergency situation with a siren on. But the department needs to submit a written explanation to the police to waive its legal responsibilities each time a vehicle is caught breaking the law.

The ambulance officers’ union, which has about 2,500 members, claimed it had recently received several complaints from paramedics in one command district where the new arrangement had been implemented. The union said the measure would put pressure on its staff and jeopardise the lives of patients.

“Over the decades, the department has unilaterally explained to police that we were on duty. Paramedics did not need to give any written or oral reports to supervisors unless there was a traffic accident,” said Wat Kit-on of the union. “We would rather spend time saving lives than doing paper work.”