I APPLAUD the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for turning to private ambulances to provide emergency services to meet the growing needs of our ageing population. I am also glad private ambulance crews will be given further training to handle emergencies.

However, I appeal to the SCDF to pay attention to young children and equipment to treat this age group.

I would like to remind the SCDF of the case of Ignatius Lim, an infant who collapsed at Singapore Expo two years ago after an ambulance driver refused for 15 minutes to go through a jammed carpark barrier.

First, it was a private ambulance and the crew were unsure if they were 'covered for damage' if they drove through the barrier. Private ambulance crews who provide emergency services must not only be trained, but also protected and empowered to do their job properly.

Second, Ignatius was only given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation without oxygen during those vital 15 minutes because it is not mandatory for private ambulances to have ventilation support equipment for infants. Ambulance regulatory bodies need to review what is mandatory basic equipment in ambulances, especially if they are to take on emergencies.

Although Ignatius eventually made it to hospital, he did not survive and it remains uncertain whether driving through the barrier and oxygen would have made a difference.

Dr Gerald Koh

This letter was first published in The Straits Times on May 10, 2008.