The Thaiger
Cancer patient’s family allegedly forced to pay before ambulance let through
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A private ambulance company is facing scrutiny after a family alleged that its staff blocked a state emergency ambulance carrying an elderly cancer patient to hospital over a disputed cancellation fee.
Key facts
- The incident reportedly occurred at about 7pm on Monday, August 17, after the family of the 83 year old woman called the 1669 emergency medical hotline because she was experiencing chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
- A private ambulance company is facing scrutiny after a family alleged that its staff blocked a state emergency ambulance carrying an elderly cancer patient to hospital over a disputed cancellation fee.
- The private ambulance staff requested a 1,000 baht cancellation fee in cash, saying the booking could not be cancelled.
- A company representative also shared only that the disputed cancellation fee was actually 1,500 baht, not 1,000.
Summary
The incident reportedly occurred at about 7pm on Monday, August 17, after the family of the 83 year old woman called the 1669 emergency medical hotline because she was experiencing chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
According to the patient’s son, Erawan Emergency Medical Centre initially told him that it would coordinate an emergency vehicle nearby. As the woman’s condition appeared to worsen, the son decided to contact a private ambulance provider, intending to use whichever vehicle arrived first.