Public Health Minister Dr Mongkol na Songkhla said it was hoped that within eight to 10 years Thailand's emergency services would be good enough to compare with the best overseas, such as in the United States.

Dr Witaya Chadbunchachai, head of the World Health Organisation's Centre for Injury and Prevention and Safety Promotion, said up to half of all victims of emergency situations in Thailand die at the scene, while 35 per cent die after one or two hours.

Some 15 per cent of victims died after being admitted to hospital.

"With such a window of opportunity for life saving, we can save more lives and mitigate disabilities and illnesses through an improved emergency medical system," he said.

Dr Surachet Satitniramai, director of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Service, said of the 3.5 million incidents requiring emergency medical services each year, only about 100,000 cases get a proper response because of the inadequate EMS system.

In fact, the welfare of many victims was left in the hands of rescue volunteers whose knowledge of EMS was next to zero, he said.

Though the Public Health Ministry has yet to work out any details for expanding the service, it decided to submit the Emergency Medical Service bill to the Cabinet to get a commitment from the government.

Mongkol said he hoped it would lead to a revolution in emergency services and that thousands of lives could be saved by better service.

Like the US 911 call number, there will be a unique three-digit toll-free number that will be linked to the EMS system covering all areas of the country.

Arthit Khwankhom

The Nation