Persons Refusing Conveyance via SCDF Ambulances to Hospitals

Debated in Parliament on 5 Jul 2023.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the number of people who refused SCDF ambulance conveyance to hospitals over the past five years, their top five reasons for refusal, and whether any government agency follows up on their medical conditions.
The Minister provided data showing that 10% to 12% of total SCDF EMS calls resulted in refusal, with annual increases matching overall call load growth.
SCDF does not track the reasons for refusal and cannot compel patients unless they are assessed as mentally incapacitated, requiring them or their next-of-kin to sign an indemnity form and advising them to seek medical treatment.
The response indicated that SCDF does not follow up on the medical conditions of those who refuse conveyance, as patients are advised to seek treatment on their own or call 995 again if needed.
The debate highlighted concerns about the lack of tracking and follow-up for individuals who decline ambulance services despite potential medical risks.

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Full Transcript

Dennis Tan Lip Fong

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked 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.

K Shanmugam

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.

SCDF does not track the reasons for refusal. 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.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the number of people who refused SCDF ambulance conveyance to hospitals over the past five years, their top five reasons for refusal, and whether any government agency follows up on their medical conditions.
The Minister provided data showing that 10% to 12% of total SCDF EMS calls resulted in refusal, with annual increases matching overall call load growth.
SCDF does not track the reasons for refusal and cannot compel patients unless they are assessed as mentally incapacitated, requiring them or their next-of-kin to sign an indemnity form and advising them to seek medical treatment.
The response indicated that SCDF does not follow up on the medical conditions of those who refuse conveyance, as patients are advised to seek treatment on their own or call 995 again if needed.
The debate highlighted concerns about the lack of tracking and follow-up for individuals who decline ambulance services despite potential medical risks.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Persons Refusing Conveyance via SCDF Ambulances to Hospitals | PAPERCUTS

Persons Refusing Conveyance via SCDF Ambulances to Hospitals

Debated in Parliament on 5 Jul 2023.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the number of people who refused SCDF ambulance conveyance to hospitals over the past five years, their top five reasons for refusal, and whether any government agency follows up on their medical conditions.
The Minister provided data showing that 10% to 12% of total SCDF EMS calls resulted in refusal, with annual increases matching overall call load growth.
SCDF does not track the reasons for refusal and cannot compel patients unless they are assessed as mentally incapacitated, requiring them or their next-of-kin to sign an indemnity form and advising them to seek medical treatment.
The response indicated that SCDF does not follow up on the medical conditions of those who refuse conveyance, as patients are advised to seek treatment on their own or call 995 again if needed.
The debate highlighted concerns about the lack of tracking and follow-up for individuals who decline ambulance services despite potential medical risks.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Dennis Tan Lip Fong

K Shanmugam

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the number of people who refused SCDF ambulance conveyance to hospitals over the past five years, their top five reasons for refusal, and whether any government agency follows up on their medical conditions.
The Minister provided data showing that 10% to 12% of total SCDF EMS calls resulted in refusal, with annual increases matching overall call load growth.
SCDF does not track the reasons for refusal and cannot compel patients unless they are assessed as mentally incapacitated, requiring them or their next-of-kin to sign an indemnity form and advising them to seek medical treatment.
The response indicated that SCDF does not follow up on the medical conditions of those who refuse conveyance, as patients are advised to seek treatment on their own or call 995 again if needed.
The debate highlighted concerns about the lack of tracking and follow-up for individuals who decline ambulance services despite potential medical risks.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Persons Refusing Conveyance via SCDF Ambulances to Hospitals

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Dennis Tan Lip Fong

K Shanmugam

Summary

Questions Identified

Persons Refusing Conveyance via SCDF Ambulances to Hospitals

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Dennis Tan Lip Fong

K Shanmugam

Summary

Questions Identified