I suggest the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) set up its own private ambulance regulatory body to look into the following:

Private ambulances currently come in different sizes, markings and colours that represent their organisation. Any ambulance company that joins the SCDF wing should carry the same colour code but keep its company logo and markings. This is so the public can identify private ambulances in the SCDF call zone.

Emergency lights and sirens are sadly lacking on most private ambulances. Where they exist, emergency lights are of different shapes and sizes and most are in poor working condition. Some look dim during the day, or certain portions do not rotate or flash at all. Some lights do not seem to be activated when the ambulance is on call, even though one can hear the siren. This makes it hard for motorists to locate exactly where the ambulance is.

The condition of private ambulances is another factor. What is their allowed lifespan? Some appear rusty due to age. Others have rusty hinges and joints, and corrosion has set in. Others have un-aligned sliding doors with dents and damage all over their bodywork.

I even came across one private ambulance with bald tyres at one established hospital.

SCDF ambulances have their own independent contractor - how about private ones? How well are private ambulances maintained? Will their overall inspection be sound?

For easy identification, uniforms of private ambulance crews under the SCDF should be identical. However, they may carry individual insignia representing their company.

Private ambulance crews should carry a card which shows they are authorised by the SCDF to respond to emergency calls.

Private ambulance drivers should be trained and issued with a permit by the SCDF to show they are competent to drive on the road in response to emergency calls. Often, I see private ambulance drivers who lack manoeuvring skills and go over the speed limit. SCDF ambulances don't do that. Drivers of private ambulances weave in and out of traffic, do not give proper signals and leave motorists guessing their intentions.

Only when the SCDF resolves these defects will the public begin to trust the competence and effectiveness of private ambulances to handle emergencies.

Abdul Islam