Police escort clears 14km route in 15 minutes for critically ill newborn

A two-day-old infant battling respiratory distress syndrome received life-saving care thanks to an emergency police escort and the cooperation of citizens who cleared the road during rush hour. The critical transfer from Suwon Deoksan Hospital to Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, a journey of approximately 14 kilometers, was completed in a remarkable 15 minutes.

The situation unfolded on August 3rd around 6:03 PM when the hospital determined the newborn required immediate transfer. The challenge was the heavy rush-hour traffic, which would typically extend the 14km trip to about 50 minutes. The private ambulance driver, Kang Min-ho, contacted emergency services to request police assistance.

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In a critical situation, not only the police escort but also the active yielding and cooperation of citizens on the road were of great help.

Officers Jo Gwang-ho and Park Doo-hee from the Suwon Gwonseon Police Station responded promptly. Utilizing sirens and public address systems, they began escorting the ambulance at 6:08 PM. In congested areas, including overpasses and underpasses, they requested drivers to yield, ensuring a clear path for the ambulance.

Drivers on the road also heeded the police's guidance, making way for the emergency vehicle. This combined effort of police and the public allowed the ambulance to navigate the traffic swiftly. The infant arrived at the hospital's emergency room at 6:26 PM and, after receiving necessary treatment, was discharged approximately 10 days later. A police official highlighted the crucial role of both the police escort and the public's cooperation in ensuring the infant received timely medical attention.

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We will do our best to ensure that patients with critical conditions can receive prompt treatment.