Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Whether SCDF Will Study Why People Refuse Conveyance to Hospitals via SCDF Ambulances

Question:

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs in view of the increasing number of people who refuse conveyance to hospitals via SCDF ambulances in recent years (a) whether the SCDF will consider (i) doing a study to understand the different reasons given for refusal (ii) determine the proportion of such people whose lives or health may be compromised by their refusal; and (b) what can be done to reduce the number of such incidents.

Answer:

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

1. As mentioned in our earlier reply to the Member on 5 July 2023, over the last five years, the number of people who refused conveyance was about 10% to 12% of the total number of calls received for the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)’s emergency medical services (EMS). While the absolute number increased annually, this increase was in line with the increase in the overall EMS call-load. We had also explained to the Member that SCDF does not track the reasons for refusal of conveyance.

2. Ambulance services and healthcare institutions worldwide are guided by the same set of medical ethics, which includes patient autonomy and informed consent. As such, SCDF respects the patient’s right to refuse conveyance. As mentioned in our earlier reply to the Member on 5 July 2023, the only exception is when the patient is assessed to be mentally incapacitated.

3. Our officers will counsel patients who refuse conveyance on the potential medical consequences. This includes engaging their family members or next-of-kin, where possible. For patients who continue to refuse conveyance, SCDF will advise them to seek medical treatment on their own, or call 995 again, if necessary.