The Ministry of Health has issued a circular setting out procedures for receiving emergency medical requests and providing pre-hospital care, including the responsibilities of hotline medical staff, emergency response providers and receiving hospitals.
Under the regulations, all requests for medical assistance made through the 113 hotline must be directed to medical staff stationed at provincial police command and information centres.
Hotline staff will assess the caller's needs and, where emergency care is required, triage patients or accident victims according to their condition and the urgency of the situation.
When an ambulance response is needed, medical staff will issue dispatch orders, prioritising emergency providers capable of reaching the scene quickly and delivering appropriate care.
They will also coordinate with ambulance teams to identify suitable hospitals based on patients' conditions, medical requirements, hospital capacity and transport arrangements.
Hotline staff may mobilise additional emergency resources within their authorised powers. Cases beyond their authority must be referred to the relevant decision-makers.
Emergency dispatch orders are mandatory
The circular stipulates that emergency dispatch orders issued by medical staff at the 113 hotline are binding on pre-hospital emergency service providers.
Orders may be communicated verbally, in writing or through other legally recognised means.
Upon receiving an order, emergency providers must deploy appropriate medical teams, vehicles and resources according to the patient's condition and operational requirements.
Emergency teams must promptly reach the scene, provide first aid and emergency treatment, and carry out medical procedures within their authorised scope of practice.
Based on the patient's condition, the team will select an appropriate receiving hospital, notify it in advance and update the 113 hotline.
If a patient's condition exceeds the team's treatment capabilities, it must contact the hotline to request additional assistance.
Hospitals required to provide round-the-clock emergency reception
Under the circular, hospitals and other receiving medical facilities must maintain dedicated emergency communication services operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If a hospital becomes unable to receive a patient as planned because of other emergencies or circumstances beyond its control, it must promptly notify the 113 hotline.
Hospitals must regularly update their available emergency resources and provide relevant information to ambulance services and hotline staff.
Emergency service providers are also required to maintain appropriately qualified teams, vehicles, medicines, medical equipment and communication systems.
Ambulances must be fitted with tracking devices and connected to the data systems of provincial police command and information centres.
The circular took effect on November 1.