[size=75:2xdf08k1]novinite 24 March 2010

Ambulances in Bulgaria's Capital Arrive Late in 94% of Calls

The emergency ambulances in the Bulgarian capital Sofia have arrived late in 94% of the cases or 14 500 times in 2008, according to a report of the National Audit Office.

The auditors further point out that there is an urgent need to establish unified rules of coordination for emergency medical cases and effective monitoring and control.

The Audit Office had listed a total of 21 recommendations for the Health Ministry.

European standards are for 8 to 10 minutes arrival of the ambulance after the call is made. In Bulgaria, an ambulance is considered late after 20 minutes. In addition to Sofia, the northern city of Pleven, is also experiencing serious problems. Traffic jams, poor road infrastructure, improper functioning of the 112 emergency phone line, and wrong addresses are the most frequent causes for the delays.

Despite the fact that the audit notes the recent replacement of many of the ambulances with newer automobiles, in some parts of the country obsolete vehicles are still in use, increasing the travel time and costs over expensive maintenance.

The shortage of emergency personnel is also noted as a serious problem.

This is bad news I do hope they pull their socks up don't they realise that a few minutes can make all the difference between life and death

I've had the rather unfortunate experience of witnessing first hand an ambulance in Sofia.

Not only were they late getting to me, after they threw me in the back they all jumped in the front and smoked a cigarette before setting off for the hospital!

ChrisQBG wrote:

I've had the rather unfortunate experience of witnessing first hand an ambulance in Sofia.

Not only were they late getting to me, after they threw me in the back they all jumped in the front and smoked a cigarette before setting off for the hospital!

Sorry Chris I know its not funny but your little experience did make me smile

ChrisQBG wrote:

I've had the rather unfortunate experience of witnessing first hand an ambulance in Sofia.

Not only were they late getting to me, after they threw me in the back they all jumped in the front and smoked a cigarette before setting off for the hospital!

That is disgusting Chris and something needs to be done about this before its to late? I don't think many Bulgarians take life to serious but life is very serious and very fragile