A new system gives ambulances priority at traffic lights, saving valuable time in medical emergencies.
In an urgent emergency earlier this year, a woman suffering from cardiac arrest was quickly transported to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) thanks to a newly implemented traffic priority system. The system, which gives emergency ambulances a “green light” path at specific traffic junctions near hospitals, has been shown to significantly reduce response times. In this particular case, the ambulance reached the hospital six minutes after dispatch, with paramedics providing life-saving treatment en route.
The system was introduced as part of a collaboration between the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the Home Team Science and Technology Agency, and the Land Transport Authority. It uses an electronic transponder installed in the ambulance, which activates sensors at junctions. These sensors detect the approaching ambulance and automatically trigger green lights, enabling the vehicle to pass through without delays.
During the first phase of implementation, which began in July, ambulances operating from Jurong and Bukit Batok Fire Stations saw significant improvements. The data collected showed an average reduction of 1 minute and 40 seconds per trip, a crucial time saved for critical patients. This system, initially implemented near NTFGH, is set to expand by mid-2025 to include other hospitals, such as Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Changi General Hospital, and National University Hospital, with a full rollout by 2026. The expanded system will cover 47 junctions across nine public hospitals.
Colonel Hong Dehan, SCDF’s chief medical officer, noted that the time saved is especially vital for life-threatening conditions like cardiac arrest, trauma, and strokes. The faster ambulances can reach hospitals, the quicker patients can receive necessary treatment. The traffic priority system is a step forward in enhancing emergency response times, improving outcomes for patients in critical conditions.
