Taxis are being used to transport those in need of medical attention in South Australia to tackle ambulance response times.
An average of 36 patients a week were taken to care by taxi between January 2021 and April 2023.
A statement provided to The Advertiser from the SA Ambulance Service claims taxis are not used as substitutes for callers.
“Ambulance dispatch is based on the urgency and severity of the medical situation, prioritised to ensure those with the most urgent needs receive an emergency response first,” they said.
“Our contracted taxi providers adhere to strict patient safety requirements, and SAAS has established procedures guiding staff on the safe use of taxis for patient transport.”
South Australia’s ramping reached a record 4,285 hours in November, while a month later, a man died after waiting more than 10 hours for an ambulance.
