According to the Guayaquil Fire Department, between January and April 2023, 10,809 pre-hospital emergencies were treated. The city has a shortage of ambulances, which is reflected not only in the complaints of those who require the service, but also in international studies and recommendations.

The World Health Organization recommends at least one ambulance for every 25,000 inhabitants. Guayaquil needs 120 – given its almost 3 million inhabitants – but adds 43: five are from the Ministry of Health, 31 from the Fire Service and another seven from institutions such as the Red Cross or foundations.

Traffic accident records of the State Transport Agency (ANT) show 1,381 accidents in the city with 1,437 injuries and 97 deaths until April. The wounded need to be transferred to care homes, just like victims of assaults, robberies or violent kidnappings amid the crime wave that Guayaquil and the country are facing. This does not count people seeking emergency care for medical reasons.

William Muñoz, head of the Guayaquil fire department’s emergency department, assured this newspaper that the entity covers 97% of emergencies with its ambulances.

In hospital emergency areas, it is not uncommon to see the sick or injured arrive in taxis or in buckets from trucks and other private vehicles, visible amidst the lights and sirens of ambulances.

The shortage of emergency vehicles is acute and requires public sector investment. A point to consider in Vice President Alfredo Borrero’s plan for the remainder of his term, cut short by his death on the cross.

Health is guaranteed by the Constitution and these vehicles are necessary in that effort, it warns. Responsibility also saves lives, that’s where drivers have to cooperate, it’s as simple as giving way to an ambulance. (OR)