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Every second matters in a medical emergency. Whether it’s an accident on the road or an injury sustained at home, most people’s first instinct is to call for help. 

In Singapore, first aid and emergency help can come from two very different sources: the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) or a private ambulance service.

While both services provide ambulance transport, they serve different purposes and are equipped to handle different types of situations. Knowing which one to call, and when, can save precious time and even lives.

In this article, we break down the key differences between private ambulances and the SCDF, and help you understand which service is right for your situation.

The SCDF: Singapore’s Emergency Lifeline

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is a government service that provides firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services across the country. They are an organisation under the governance of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

When you dial “995” for urgent medical help, it’s the SCDF that answers the call and dispatches trained emergency responders. This is done through a central command system, which dispatches the nearest available ambulance to the scene. 

But do keep in mind that non-emergency cases will not be conveyed by SCDF ambulances, as their focus is on responding to life-threatening situations, which is where private ambulances come into the picture. SCDF ambulances are fitted with emergency life support equipment to ensure patients receive critical care on the way to the hospital. Similarly, private ambulance operators with Emergency Ambulance Services (EAS) are also equipped with life support facilities to handle critical medical situations requiring immediate response.

But do keep in mind that SCDF ambulances are strictly reserved for life-threatening emergencies, as their mission is to provide immediate response to critical cases. These ambulances are fitted with advanced life support equipment so patients can receive urgent care on the way to hospitals. While private ambulances are commonly associated with non-emergency transport, providers with Emergency Ambulance Services (EAS) are also equipped with life support equipment to handle critical medical situations requiring immediate response.

But first, let’s look at when you should actually call the SCDF?

When Should You Call SCDF (995)?

You should call 995 immediately if someone is experiencing:

• Chest pain or suspected heart attack. Symptoms can include a cold sweat, lightheadedness, or pain that radiates along the shoulder, arm, back, neck, and jaw.
• Sudden loss of consciousness. Losing consciousness can be dangerous, as it may signal serious underlying conditions in the brain or heart. In addition, there is also a risk that a person may have injured themselves when falling.
• Breathing difficulties, which could indicate serious problems in the lungs or other vital organs, and lead to life-threatening respiratory failure. 
• Heavy bleeding or trauma is another life-threatening situation where the victim could go into shock and enter the first stages of organ failure due to blood loss. 
• Stroke symptoms. These can include slurred speech or noticeable drooping on one side of the victim’s face.
• Major accidents or severe burns, which can lead to shock, infections, and potential organ failure.

These are all time-critical situations and need to be conveyed to the hospital as soon as possible. 

Remember, calling 995 for non-emergencies can delay help for someone who is truly in danger. Only call the SCDF in emergency situations such as the ones described above.

For non-urgent medical needs, calling a private ambulance would be the best option. 

Private Ambulances in Singapore: Flexible Support for Non-Emergencies

In Singapore, you can access private ambulance services run by private companies licensed by the Ministry of Health (MOH). These companies can provide either emergency ambulances (EAS), medical transport (MTS) or both. 

The EAS are suitable for urgent but not immediately life-threatening conditions, where you would like control over the choice of hospital. Meanwhile, MTS is suitable for conditions that are not life-threatening or time-sensitive.

Typically, private ambulances, such as Medical Transport (MTS) services, help people who might need transportation to and from hospitals, medical centres, or their homes. These services are especially beneficial for someone who is elderly, disabled, or still recovering from surgery, illness, or an accident. 

Some private ambulances also offer their Emergency Ambulances (EAS) for standby services at sports events, concerts, public gatherings, and industrial worksites, where there is a higher risk of injuries and accidents. 

When Should You Call a Private Ambulance in Singapore?

Private ambulances are your go-to choice in the following situations:   

• Transporting a patient home after they’ve been discharged from a hospital stay.
• When a patient needs help getting to their doctor’s appointment or treatment sessions, such as dialysis, chemotherapy, or physical rehabilitation.
• When you need medical support or first aid responders at a large event, gathering, or work site.
• When your loved one needs to be transferred between hospitals or treatment centres.

   

With private ambulances, you have the option of choosing the level of care required for the patient. For instance, you can choose a basic transport service (MTS) or request for an EAS, which is staffed by paramedics and equipped with life-saving and life-support equipment. These include automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen, defibrillators, airway kits, IV access, and monitors. 

The table below shows a simple breakdown of the differences between private ambulances and the SCDF emergency medical services, and when to choose them:

What to Look For When Choosing a Private Ambulance Service in Singapore

Choosing the right private ambulance service in Singapore is crucial, whether you’re arranging urgent transport to a hospital, transferring an elderly loved one, or coordinating non-emergency medical transport for a clinic appointment. Here’s what you should consider before making your booking:

1. Licensing and Accreditation

Ensure that any private ambulance service provider you engage is accredited by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Only MOH-approved operators are legally allowed to operate Emergency Ambulance Services (EAS) and Medical Transport Services (MTS).

This accreditation confirms that the ambulance operator adheres to national healthcare standards for safety, hygiene, equipment, and trained staff, making it a trusted option for both emergency and non-emergency medical transport.

2. Response Time and Availability

Timeliness is key, even for non-emergency cases. Whether you’re scheduling a private ambulance service for a dialysis appointment, a post-surgery follow-up, or a hospital discharge, delays can cause unnecessary stress and health risks.

Check how soon the ambulance service can be dispatched, and whether they operate 24/7 or have restricted hours. Some providers may also offer advanced bookings with guaranteed pickup slots for peace of mind. Always check the company’s availability before making a booking. 

3. Medical Capabilities and Staffing

Not all private ambulance services in Singapore are equipped equally. Some private ambulance providers only provide medical transport, while others may provide both emergency ambulance (EAS) and medical transport (MTS) services. Depending on the condition of the patient, you may only need an MTS with an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) onboard, or an EAS that is staffed by a paramedic or a nurse certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

 

4. Transparency and Pricing

Reputable private ambulance providers in Singapore will always give you a detailed, clear quotation and explain any add-ons or extra costs upfront so that you can budget accordingly. 

Prices can vary depending on:

• Time of Day: Surcharges may apply for after-hours, weekend, or public holiday bookings.

   

• Distance Travelled: Longer journeys or cross-island transfers may incur higher fees.

   

• Waiting Time: If the ambulance team needs to wait at a clinic, hospital, or residence, an hourly or block rate may be charged.

   

• Risk Factors: Surcharges may be imposed for certain situations, such as when there is a fall risk (e.g. when the patient needs to be carried from the upper level of the house to the lower floor), or a risk of contracting an infectious disease (e.g. COVID-19). To ensure proper preparation and safety measures, please inform the operator of any such factors when booking your medical transport.

   

• Medical Equipment & Staffing: Additional costs may apply if the case requires oxygen, suction units, cardiac monitors, or if additional manpower is needed on board.

The best Singapore private ambulance services will be upfront about all possible fees, explain what’s included in the service, and guide you in selecting the right option based on your budget and medical needs.

What to Expect During a Private Ambulance Ride in Singapore

If it’s your first time booking a private ambulance in Singapore for non-emergency purposes, you may be unsure of what the experience involves.

Here’s a basic overview of what typically happens during a Singapore private ambulance ride:

1. Pre-Arrival Coordination

During the booking process, the private ambulance provider typically gathers some basic details about the patient, including their name, age, weight, and current medical condition. The ambulance provider will also ask about any mobility requirements and medical equipment needed for the journey, such as oxygen supply, ECG monitors, wheelchairs, or stretchers. This information helps the crew prepare properly and ensures a smooth, comfortable experience.

2. Door-to-Door Assistance

A private ambulance service in Singapore will usually have the crew assist a patient from their doorstep to their destination, whether it’s a hospital, specialist clinic, or care home. 

3. In-Transit Medical Monitoring

During the journey, the crew will continuously monitor the patient’s condition and provide any medical support if required. Private ambulance staff in Singapore are trained to handle a range of patient needs, from managing oxygen flow to intervening in case of a sudden complication.  

4. Smooth and Safe Handover

Upon arrival at the destination, the team ensures a safe handover to hospital staff, caregivers, or family members, ensuring there’s no disruption in the patient’s care. This continuity is especially crucial for individuals with complex medical needs.

Private Ambulance Services in Singapore: Providing Safe, Reliable Medical Transport 

From hospital discharges to medical appointments, private ambulance services in Singapore offer professional and trustworthy transport for non-emergency medical needs. 

If you’re looking for trusted medical transport in Singapore, EFAR is here to help. Our private ambulance service in Singapore is designed with every patient’s safety and peace of mind as our top priority. 

Contact us to book your ride or find out more about how we can support you and your loved ones.