Choose an Ambulance with Caution: A Guide to Avoiding Medical Transport Pitfalls

Medical Transport Trap: Converted Cargo Vans Posing as Ambulances Raise Safety Concerns

As the demand for medical transport services continues to rise, an increasing number of vehicles claiming to provide "professional medical transport" have emerged in the market. Many of these vehicles are converted from cargo vans, hastily outfitted with seats and stretchers, and may feature unauthorised structural modifications. In fact, such vehicles are often easily identifiable—they typically lack clear markings and may not even be labeled as ambulances.

These illegal modifications can pose significant safety risks. For instance, the unauthorised removal of seats or improper placement of hazardous materials may endanger passengers. Moreover, many of these service providers are unable to present proper certifications, official receipts, or even a registered company name, making them highly unreliable.

Cross-Border Ambulance Services Vary in Quality: Verify Background to Avoid Pitfalls

Hong Kong's medical regulations are well-established and comprehensive. However, public awareness regarding medical transport, particularly cross-border services, remains insufficient. Many Hong Kong citizens are unfamiliar with the relevant standards in mainland China. If a service provider claims to offer cross-border medical transport, citizens must exercise extreme caution. The standards and qualifications of ambulance services and personnel in mainland China can vary significantly, and choosing an unreliable provider may jeopardise safety. It is advisable for citizens to thoroughly evaluate such services before use to avoid falling victim to scams.

【What You Need to Know】A Practical Guide to Verifying Ambulance Registration and Qualifications

Citizens should select medical transport services through reliable channels. During the selection process, they may request service providers to present relevant qualifications. In mainland China, providers must possess medical operation credentials, typically issued to emergency centers or non-emergency medical transport services. In Hong Kong, vehicle registration and type (whether it is a specially designated ambulance vehicle) can be verified with the Transport Department. Legally compliant ambulances must strictly adhere to the Road Traffic (Vehicle Construction and Maintenance) Regulations and ensure their design and structure meet international standards.

Amber Medical Prioritises Service Quality and Safety Assurance

Amber Medical provides transparent service pricing and collaborates with legally qualified institutions in mainland China to offer safe and reliable cross-border medical transport services.

When selecting a service, do not consider price alone. Instead, prioritise 1. legal compliance, 2. service quality, and 3. guarantees to choose a truly professional and reliable service for yourself and your family.