SCDF Implements 20-Minute Ambulance Wait Time in Singapore

Individuals in Singapore dialing '995' for less urgent medical issues will now experience a wait time of up to 20 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, effective July 31. This change aims to optimize resources for critical emergencies like cardiac arrests and respiratory problems, which require immediate attention.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has observed a significant increase in demand for emergency medical services, receiving around 670 calls daily, marking a 30% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This surge is partly due to Singapore's aging population.

Paramedics and emergency medical technicians face challenges in managing the escalating call volumes, handling up to 12 calls per shift. Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim stressed the crucial role of these frontline responders in saving lives.

SCDF anticipates a 3 to 5% annual growth in emergency calls, with an average of 12 non-emergency calls daily. To address extended wait times, SCDF will implement measures to ensure patient safety, including prompt re-triage for deteriorating cases.

Medical calls are categorized into four priority levels, with urgent cases as priority one and non-emergencies as priority four. Professor Marcus Ong highlighted the rarity of severe emergencies falling under priority four.

The estimated 20-minute wait time is subject to current operational capacities and patients experiencing worsening conditions can seek expedited assistance by reaching out again.

With the adjustment in ambulance response time, Singapore aims to enhance the efficiency of emergency medical services, prioritizing critical cases while ensuring patient safety. SCDF's proactive measures and commitment to addressing the evolving demands of emergency healthcare underscore the organization's dedication to public well-being.