Fake ambulances reported in Taipei
TAIPEI – Taipei’s Department of Health (DOH) yesterday said it has received two reports from Taipei citizens of counterfeit ambulances driving around the city.
The DOH said that according to two citizen reports, one from May and the other from June, the false ambulances violated several traffic regulations, including running red lights and forcing other cars to yield lanes. The vehicles reportedly did not have the same logo as government-certified ambulances.
Health authorities said there are currently 178 registered ambulances in Taipei City, including 78 with the Fire Department, 56 from hospitals, 36 with private medical firms and eight with private companies.
An official with the DOH further noted that a certified ambulance will have government-approved serial numbers painted on the back of the vehicle, the colour of a certified ambulance is white and a red flashing light and a siren are installed on top of the vehicle.
The symbol of the red cross, and the name of the sector are painted on both sides of a certified ambulance, the DOH official said, adding that a charging-standard chart will be pasted inside the vehicle. The official said medical staff in the ambulance will also bring their medical certificates with them while on duty.
Health authorities said citizens can take photographs or video of ambulances and send them to the Taipei City Traffic Division of the Police Department should they uncover a counterfeit ambulance driving in the city.
The DOH said it has transferred the reports and relevant evidence to the Taipei Police Department Traffic Division for further investigation.
An official said that in order to send patients to a hospital for emergency treatment as soon as possible, citizens should yield the middle lane of the road to an on-duty ambulance.
Source: Asia News Network
