Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Number of People Who Refused Conveyance via SCDF Ambulances to Hospitals After Arrival of Ambulance in the Past Five Years

Question:

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) in each of the past five years, what is the number of people who have refused conveyance via SCDF ambulances to hospitals after the arrival of the ambulances; (b) what are the top five reasons given by these people for their refusal; and (c) whether SCDF or any other Government agency follows up with such people on their medical conditions after their refusal.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. The number of people who have refused conveyance, in each of the last five years, is set out in the table below. This is about 10% to 12% of the total calls received for the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The annual increases are in line with the increases in the overall EMS call load.

2. SCDF does not track the reasons for refusal.

3. Should patients refuse conveyance to the hospital, SCDF cannot compel them unless they are assessed to be mentally incapacitated. SCDF requires them or their next-of-kin to sign an indemnity form. SCDF will also explain the potential medical consequences, and advise them to seek medical treatment on their own, or call 995 again if necessary.