Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy yesterday called on the Guyana Police Force to undertake more public education about what road users should do when they hear the sirens of an ambulance, the police or the fire service.
Speaking to Stabroek News the Minister said his ministry would also try to educate road users about pulling into the corner and allowing an ambulance to pass. By not following the rules they could cause accidents or prevent someone from receiving life-saving medical treatment.
He said as a road user he would see from time to time what happened when an ambulance attempted to get unhindered passage through some roadways, and he was very concerned. “I would see ambulances trying to pass and vehicles would not get into the corner, and I think the police and my ministry should do more…” the Minister said yesterday.
He said the laws of the country dictated what persons should do when they heard a siren, and that was to pull into the corner for the ambulance, police vehicle or fire service truck to pass.
“But ordinarily the laws are not being complied with… Ambulances need to get to places urgently…” the minister stressed. “I have seen some improvement, but the vast majority of people ignore sirens,” the minister said.