It is common practice to make way for emergency vehicles when the sirens are turned on as it’s part of the traffic law which dictates we should give them way.
However, there are still many people in this world who don’t give way to these vehicles during an emergency!
Source: escorting_ambulance_medan
One incident took place in Medan, Indonesia at around 9pm on October 9, 2017, Coconuts reported.
An ambulance was rushing towards the hospital with a patient inside. However, many vehicles on the road refused to give way to the ambulance.
As such, the patient regrettably passed away.
The paramedics had picked up the patient from Rantauprapat and was on their way to Adam Malik Hospital. The distance between the two places was about 10km only!
Source: Google Maps
The Indonesians Escorting Ambulance (IEA) is a non-profit organisation consisting of dedicated civilians who help ambulances weave through traffic during an emergency.
A member of the IEA, Steven Willy Andry, told the press that it was a futile attempt in getting through for about 45 minutes.
“The siren was on and had been blaring from a distance. Loudly. But the cars still stayed in their lanes. We, the escort team, tried to pave way for the ambulance, but the cars still blocked access.”
After realising those selfish drivers were being tenacious in not giving way, they gave up heading towards Adam Malik Hospital and re-routed to another hospital that was nearer.
Yet, the patient unfortunately passed away just as they arrived at the premises of the other hospital.
Devastated family members. | Source: escorting_ambulance_medan
Seriously, what are the reasons, besides heartless and selfish ones, that drivers have for not allowing emergency vehicles to pass through? 🙁
There is truly no excuse for anyone to block an emergency vehicle’s path. What if you or your loved ones were the patient in that ambulance instead?
Also read: Superstitious Lady Stops Ambulance from Passing Her House, Causes Man’s Death
