A coalition of around twenty organizations, including emergency medical services (Samu), hospitals, and private ambulance operators, has raised significant concerns regarding a proposed decentralization law. In an open letter to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, they warned about the potential adverse effects of entrusting emergency response management to non-medical actors, undermining the quality and efficiency of medical assistance provided to the public. The letter was co-signed by prominent bodies such as Samu Urgences de France, the leading union of emergency physicians, and various other authoritative organizations in the medical and emergency fields.

The proposed legislation is currently undergoing final scrutiny within the government, prompting alarm from healthcare professionals and emergency service representatives. They fear that the operational management shifts could lead to delays in response times and a decrease in the quality of care, ultimately putting lives at risk. The concerns echo a broader anxiety among health workers regarding ongoing systemic pressures facing the French healthcare system, including budget constraints and increasing demands on services.

Furthermore, the letter from these organizations highlights a recurring issue with the funding and organization of emergency medical services in France. As costs related to medical transportation continue to rise—now estimated at 6.4 billion euros per year—efforts to optimize operations should not come at the expense of medical oversight and quality. Stakeholders in the emergency medical sector are calling for urgent dialogue with the government to ensure that patient safety remains the priority amidst legislative changes that could fundamentally alter the landscape of emergency services in the country.