The Fiji Police Force has clarified details about a viral video showing an ambulance being stopped by traffic officers, confirming that the ambulance was not attending to a medical emergency and that the person in the back was the driver’s relative.
The incident occurred in February at the junction of Adi Davila and Kings Road in Nine Miles. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said a traffic officer observing the area saw the ambulance approach in a normal manner. When the officer raised a hand to allow pedestrians to cross, the ambulance allegedly switched on its siren and flashing lights in an attempt to push through. Upon inquiry, investigators found there was no medical emergency at the time.
There were no medical personnel aboard the vehicle, and the person lying in the back was the driver’s relative who had been collected earlier from home. Tudravu noted that this was the second time that the same ambulance had been booked to use sirens and flashing lights without an emergency. He warned emergency vehicle drivers against abusing their privileges to bypass traffic, reminding officers have the authority to stop any vehicle, even during genuine emergencies. Police say spot checks on all road users will continue.
Context and implications
This incident highlights the ongoing need for clear protocols governing interactions between police and ambulance crews, to prevent delays in critical care and to ensure patient safety. It also feeds into a broader conversation about accountability and proper conduct within law enforcement and emergency services in Fiji, a discussion that has featured in recent national reviews and public calls for transparent outcomes.
Positive note and what readers should take away
There is a constructive takeaway in the emphasis on accountability and continued enforcement: the police are reaffirming that misuse of emergency privileges will be investigated and acted upon, while ongoing road-safety checks aim to protect all road users. The authorities’ commitment to addressing concerns publicly can help restore public trust and encourage safer driving practices across the community.
Summary
A February incident in which an ambulance used its siren and lights without an emergency was confirmed by police as not being an active medical call. The vehicle did not carry medical personnel, and the person in the back was the driver’s relative. Authorities stress that such abuses will be scrutinized and that routine spot checks will persist to safeguard patient care and road safety. Readers can expect ongoing updates on resolutions or actions following investigations, as part of Fiji’s broader focus on accountability and safer road practices.
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