It seems there are people who hesitate to call an ambulance and those who do not

“I have a fever, but is this really a level that warrants calling an ambulance?” Have you ever worried about that in the middle of the night?

Many people actually feel a strong sense of hesitation about calling an ambulance.

“I don't want to be thought of as making a big deal out of nothing.”

“I would feel bad if they thought I was using it as a taxi.”

Because of such restraint, there are not a few cases where people endure it, head to the hospital on their own, and end up worsening their symptoms.

However, conversely, aren't there also people who think of using an ambulance as a substitute for a taxi?

In recent news, I have also heard that some prefectures are moving toward charging for ambulance use due to the increase in the number of emergency transports.

This time, I would like to write about what I feel as someone involved in the medical field regarding the use of ambulances.

Actually, there are many cases of “non-urgent” ambulance use

When I looked into it, the announcement by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications showed that the number of emergency dispatches in 2025 was 7,718,380, a record high, and the results showed that about half of those transported had “minor injuries.”

On the other hand, there are also reports of cases where the arrival of an ambulance is delayed for patients who are truly in critical condition and every second counts.

※According to data from 2024, it seems that 46.8% of those who used an ambulance did not require hospitalization.

In other words, both “people who are too hesitant” and “people who call too easily” exist, and as a result, it is becoming difficult for ambulances to reach those who really need them.

Consultation services you can use when you are unsure about what to do

・Emergency Relief Center (#7119): If you describe your symptoms, a nurse or similar professional will determine the necessity of an ambulance

・Children's Medical Telephone Consultation (#8000): Responds to consultations regarding sudden fevers or injuries in children

・National Emergency Medical Consultation App (Q-suke): You can check the urgency just by selecting your symptoms

Just knowing these things can help reduce the "few minutes of hesitation" about whether to call.

In these situations, you should call without hesitation

・Unconscious, or not responding when called

・Difficulty breathing, or clearly looking pale

・Sudden, severe headache or chest pain

・Heavy bleeding that will not stop

With symptoms like these, the time spent hesitating can be fatal. Call 119 without hesitation.

Summary and thoughts

An ambulance is not something you "should not use," but something "to be used correctly."

Just knowing about #7119 or Q-suke will make it much easier to make a decision in an emergency.

I have heard that in some countries, using an ambulance can cost over 70,000 yen, or that there may be additional charges for emergency transport.

It is very fortunate that in Japan, it is currently free to use.

On the other hand, it is also a fact that the number of people using it as a taxi substitute does not decrease.

I sometimes witness scenes of emergency transport, and I have seen people walk into the hospital.

If you can move on your own, I wish you would come on your own.

However, I am grateful for the existence of ambulances when I feel anxious due to a sudden illness.

I do not think there is a correct answer to this topic.

This did not really turn into a summary, but personally, I would like to see more interest in how to use ambulances.

Thank you for reading this time as well.