Bangkok commandeers spare vehicles as ambulances for Covid-19 patients
As Bangkok was hit by another 901 Covid-19 cases and four deaths on Monday, deputy governor Kriangyos Sudlabha visited the city’s emergency medical service centre to check on preparations for the surge in infections.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Erawan Centre serves as an emergency call centre for those in need of ambulances, while also operating the 1669 hotlines that provide Covid-19 information.
“As the number of calls is increasing every day, we have moved some night-shift staff to the day shift from 8am to 4pm, which is when more people require medical services,” said Kriangyos.
Meanwhile, the BMA’s 50 district offices have been ordered to hand over any spare service vehicles that can be used to transport Covid-19 patients to hospital, he said.
Kriangyos added that patients will not be sent directly to a hospital, field hospital or hospitel of their choice.
“We found that relying on information provided by the patients via the phone regarding their symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis. Therefore, we will send them to be accurately diagnosed at Bang Khun Thian Geriatric Hospital or Sirindhorn Hospital before transporting them to suitable facilities,” he said.