Patients may end up paying the price

Dubai: Though the emirate's emergency authorities have achieved a remarkable average record of eight minutes for an ambulance to transfer a patient to hospital, sometimes it takes longer simply because other motorists refuse to give way to the emergency vehicle.

Speaking to Gulf News, orthopaedic surgeon Jameel Ahmad, Director of Prime Medical Centre, says, "Obviously if somebody is not giving way, there will definitely be a delay [in transferring the patient to hospital]."

"For example, if the patient in the ambulance is suffering from a heart attack, the delay in reaching the hospital can be fatal," said Dr Ahmad.

Morbid delay

"Even if the patient survives, the delay could cause morbidity. If they reach the hospital in time, they can not only survive but could have a better quality of life without long-term complications," he added.

The scene of an ambulance stuck in traffic "inspired" the orthopaedic surgeon to work with DCAS and Dubai Police to launch the campaign with the aim of helping to provide clear passage to ambulances.

The sight of an ambulance means somebody's life is in danger and they [motorists] should give way, Dr Ahmad said.

"The public is not aware of this because they are from different backgrounds. It is important to create awareness and improve the quality of medical care for critical patients."

People often talk about certain incidents when ambulances couldn't reach the patient's location or the hospital on time, resulting in the sick person paying the price. Some ambulance drivers complain about the pressure they are subjected to from relatives of the patient when they stop at a red light on the way to hospital.

"Relatives need to have confidence in the medics," said Neil Kirby, Ambulance Operation Director at Dubai Corporation of Ambulance Services. All medics are keen to provide excellent care and try their best to save the lives of others, he added.

Misdiagnosis

However, some others complain of misdiagnosis in some emergency cases. "One day, an old relative of mine, who was bed-ridden, suffered from vomiting and pain. But when the medics arrived they treated her and said she doesn't need to be taken to hospital," a young man said.

However, the condition of the old woman deteriorated the next day and she was taken to hospital by her family members who found that she had suffered a cerebral stroke. The symptoms were not clear the previous day.

"She never got out of the hospital alive. She passed away a month later."