Private car blocks emergency vehicle, patient dies in Samut Prakan

[spidermike007]

Ambulances alshoukd have the right to clear vehicles out of the way, whenever possible, and should never be liable for damage. They need proper bumper guards. You behave stupid, you pay a price. Your vehicle ends up mangled, it is on you.

 

This is the case in many countries. I recently saw this in Italy. An ambulance tore up a luxury car, which was blocking it. I cannot tell you how much fun that was to witness. 

 

 

[rwill]

I actually do see more people moving over nowadays than I used to.  Several years ago no one would move out of the way for emergency vehicles.  I'm not saying everyone does now.  Just that it used to be a lot worse.

 

I'm not sure about manslaughter charges.  What if the person had died several minutes before the ambulance arrived?

There should be a large fine at least though.

[kiwikeith]

2 hours ago, RJRS1301 said:

One assumes they can trace the car& driver, who should then be charged, upon conviction confiscating vehicle, loss of licence and community service for 12 months in hospital mortuary 

Exactly, there should be a mandatory stiff penalty, I think it's a disgusting criminal arrogant act of disrespect for another humans life. 

[essex boys]

Why am I not surprised by this type of behaviour, selfish race of people in every aspect of their lives

[Peterphuket]

8 hours ago, malibukid said:

life is cheap here

Because they believe they have more than one life.

They learn when they do there best in this life they will better come back,

if not they come back as a animal.

[Ctkong]

This is a good opportunity for Thai authority to set a precedent for blocking emergency services. Time drivers know the consequences of such actions. 

[herfiehandbag]

3 hours ago, bluemoon58 said:

Correct. Me, me, me seems to be the majority attitude of Thais. I have witnessed what happened in the article many times over the years. Selfish, selfish, selfish! 

15 years ago, one of the things that struck me about Thailand (coming from a world where one almost always gave way) was the way in which ambulances with lights and sirens were almost always ignored.

 

I have noticed that in recent year it seems to be less the case. Here in Chiang Rai the main hospital is in the town centre, and getting to It always involves passing through sever6 light controlled intersections. People seem to make an effort now to clear a way.

 

Of course there remain self entitled creatures like this idiot described in the OP - but , at least where ambulances are concerned, less so.

 

Interesting that the family of the deceased did not complain. I wonder if "influence" played a part? That is definitely not on the wane!

[Blot]

4 hours ago, doublezero said:

In Europe and other countries with more civilized driving culture the driver of the Honda would have lost his driving licence right on the spot and would have faced a trial resulting in several years imprisonment. In Thailand he probably gets away with a 2000 Bath fine.

He would certainly be a lot cleaner after 2000 baths !!

[steven100]

In a proper civilized country where responsible citizens understand the vehicle is in an emergency they automatically move out of the way.  

 

but in an irresponsible society with no common sense it's different  

[MalcolmB]

3 hours ago, bluemoon58 said:

Correct. Me, me, me seems to be the majority attitude of Thais.

Nah.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

She explained that all other vehicles moved aside to allow the emergency vehicle to pass, except for the Honda.

 

[MalcolmB]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Ambulances alshoukd have the right to clear vehicles out of the way, whenever possible, and should never be liable for damage. They need proper bumper guards. You behave stupid, you pay a price. Your vehicle ends up mangled, it is on you.

 

This is the case in many countries. I recently saw this in Italy. An ambulance tore up a luxury car, which was blocking it. I cannot tell you how much fun that was to witness. 

 

 

Wouldn’t work in Thailand because they mostly use vans with the engine underneath the driver 

[parallelman]

4 hours ago, Gobbler said:

Put ramming equipment on all ambulances.  Ram, anyone blocking on purpose.  Push them aside over a cliff; it doesn't matter.

While I agree something should be done, a 'ramming adventure' might not be what the patient needs.

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, rwill said:

I actually do see more people moving over nowadays than I used to.  Several years ago no one would move out of the way for emergency vehicles.  I'm not saying everyone does now.  Just that it used to be a lot worse.

 

I'm not sure about manslaughter charges.  What if the person had died several minutes before the ambulance arrived?

There should be a large fine at least though.

So, it is likely about public education and shame. Get the word out there. The authorities need to do some actual work, for a change. 

[spidermike007]

5 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Wouldn’t work in Thailand because they mostly use vans with the engine underneath the driver 

In Europe it is often a light tap moving the vehicle along. This technique is surprisingly effective at waking someone from an unconscious slumber. It also creates an instant sense of shame, which Thais greatly  respond to. It is all about "face" here. Embarrass them. 

[sabai-dee-man]

2 hours ago, HuaHinHim said:

I’m no lawyer and agree that people that do this should face some form of punishment but a 1 minute delay seems a bit of a stretch to lay the patients death on the driver. 

 

From personal experience (I flew with Aeromed back in the late 90s), yes 1 minute can indeed make the difference. 

[ujayujay]

Blocking an ambulance is intentional murder and should be punished as such.

[bluemoon58]

35 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

15 years ago, one of the things that struck me about Thailand (coming from a world where one almost always gave way) was the way in which ambulances with lights and sirens were almost always ignored.

 

I have noticed that in recent year it seems to be less the case. Here in Chiang Rai the main hospital is in the town centre, and getting to It always involves passing through sever6 light controlled intersections. People seem to make an effort now to clear a way.

 

Of course there remain self entitled creatures like this idiot described in the OP - but , at least where ambulances are concerned, less so.

 

Interesting that the family of the deceased did not complain. I wonder if "influence" played a part? That is definitely not on the wane!

Herfiehandbag! 😁 I know the meaning of that name sir. Arte et Marte.

[MalcolmB]

4 hours ago, RJRS1301 said:

One assumes they can trace the car& driver, who should then be charged, upon conviction confiscating vehicle, loss of licence and community service for 12 months in hospital mortuary 

Initially the 52 year old woman driver was fined 500 baht but because someone has died that can mean up to 10 years jail and and a 200,000 baht fine.

 

https://www.ch7.com/sports/764105

 

[keysersoze276]

1 hour ago, essex boys said:

Why am I not surprised by this type of behaviour, selfish race of people in every aspect of their lives

Yeah!  Not even just every single Thai national on the planet, but the entire Asian race is guilty in every single solitary aspect of their entire lives!  Their exstance is pointless and resistance is futile!!!  Off with their heads and burn the whole damned continent to the ground! 

OMG!  Nothing like a hot cup of morning coffee with two heaping tablespoons of xenophobia and a few shots of of low-fat racism.  Switch to Splenda, Adolf.  I'll end my sarcasm, but please put down the pitchforks and torches.  

 

Edited 4 hours ago by keysersoze276
Tweeked it a little.

[Mr Meeseeks]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Ambulances alshoukd have the right to clear vehicles out of the way, whenever possible, and should never be liable for damage. They need proper bumper guards. You behave stupid, you pay a price. Your vehicle ends up mangled, it is on you.

 

This is the case in many countries. I recently saw this in Italy. An ambulance tore up a luxury car, which was blocking it. I cannot tell you how much fun that was to witness. 

 

 

 

Problem is that these 'EMS' or 'Ambulance Services' are privately owned, and don't belong to the State, so they operate in a grey area.

[Mr Meeseeks]

1 hour ago, Peterphuket said:

Because they believe they have more than one life.

They learn when they do there best in this life they will better come back,

if not they come back as a animal.

 

Correct, it is also why you have total idiots and incompetents in positions of authority and power, and an almost complete lack of responsibility for anything that happens.

 

A cultural problem. 

 

22 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

In Europe it is often a light tap moving the vehicle along. This technique is surprisingly effective at waking someone from an unconscious slumber. It also creates an instant sense of shame, which Thais greatly  respond to. It is all about "face" here. Embarrass them. 

 

May cause violence. A Thai will never admit they are wrong and can become dangerous when provoked.

[Baba Naba]

Why must the offended press charges? Does not the "State" have an obligation to press charges???

[SS1]

They need to fit some heavy duty bull bars onto those ambulances, and just give drivers like that a little push when needed. 

[Bday Prang]

4 hours ago, doublezero said:

In Europe and other countries with more civilized driving culture the driver of the Honda would have lost his driving licence right on the spot and would have faced a trial resulting in several years imprisonment. In Thailand he probably gets away with a 2000 Bath fine.

As far as I an aware, in the UK at least nobody can lose their licence "on the spot" that option along with any other punishment would be decided  by the courts , except in the case of a fixed penalty, but that would not include disqualification

[Bday Prang]

1 hour ago, Peterphuket said:

Because they believe they have more than one life.

They learn when they do there best in this life they will better come back,

if not they come back as a animal.

I think the general philosophy of Buddhism is that if one really has "done their best " then there is no need to come back at all. 

[steven100]

7 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

I think the general philosophy of Buddhism is that if one really has "done their best " then there is no need to come back at all. 

Buddhism ... all smoke & mirrors   

[sambum]

4 hours ago, jvs said:

You are so right and the people in power do nothing about it.

I believe the fine is 500 baht.

Tomorrow a few wai's,"i am so sorry"(but not really)and we can wait for the next similar incident.

When will the Thai people wake up?

Oh yes,i forgot. "mai pen rai".

So much for some people using the stupid argument that sometimes the ambulances are using lights and sirens when there is no patient inside.

 

 

And how do they know that there is no patient inside? XRay vision?

[khunpeer]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

Yesterday, November 3, at roughly 9.30pm, a car obstructed an emergency vehicle in Samut Prakan, ultimately resulting in a patient’s death. Despite lights and sirens, the car’s driver refused to yield for over a minute, causing delays for the rescue team.

 

The incident, which was captured on video and shared online, shows the emergency vehicle from Samut Prakan City Municipality attempting to navigate through Praksa Road en route to an emergency. However, the vehicle was delayed by a Honda car that occupied the rightmost lane, ignoring the flashing lights and sirens of the rescue vehicle.

 

The incident took place yesterday as the emergency team was responding to a call regarding an unconscious patient. Nakhon Rattanaprapasala, part of the rescue team, recounted their experience as they rushed the patient to the hospital.

 

The Honda car not only failed to yield but also occasionally braked abruptly in front of the rescue vehicle, forcing the team to manoeuvre around it. Nakhon, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that despite using a microphone to announce their need for the right of way, the car remained unmoved.

 

He explained that the delay lasted about one minute before the team could finally find an opening to bypass the car at the entrance of Phut Si Soi, also known as Soi 7 Praksa. Unfortunately, by the time they reached the patient, it was too late.

 

The video of the incident quickly gained traction online, drawing a significant amount of comments from the public. Many expressed their concerns and frustrations over the lack of cooperation from some road users in emergencies.

 

Rattanaprapasala urged other drivers to be more considerate when they see emergency vehicles, stressing the importance of every second in life-threatening situations.

 

The family of the deceased patient was informed of the circumstances but they chose not to take legal action against the driver.

 

Sukanya Sukklin, another member of the rescue team, also shared her perspective on the incident. She explained that all other vehicles moved aside to allow the emergency vehicle to pass, except for the Honda. Sukklin decided to record the event on her phone as it became clear the driver would not yield.

 

Sukklin emphasised the importance of viewing every road user as a family member, urging a collective sense of responsibility to prevent unnecessary losses.

 

By Ryan Turner

Image courtesy of Sanook

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-11-04

 

 

and nothing about that Honda driver, was he arrested?

shame if the police let mrHonda go, just because the family of the deceased decided not to take action...

[mania2301]

Whether the family of the deceased will take action or not is another thing....is there a law that make this a crime??

[black tabby12345]

Roadside parking kills.

In 06, one department store  in Chiang Rai burnt out because of it.

Firetrucks could not arrive the burning building fast enough and everything in it were consumed by the fire.

300 workers lost jobs resultingly.