In a crackdown on private ambulance firms in Busan, police have arrested individuals for repeatedly transporting emergency patients without the presence of certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The investigation by the Busan Metropolitan Police led to the identification of a representative of the unlicensed firms and nine others involved in illegally operating ambulances from 2016 to 2022. These companies allegedly employed only a few EMTs, while renting out their certifications to fill staffing shortages, subsequently allowing drivers to transport patients solo, which directly violates emergency medical regulations that require at least one EMT onboard for patient transport.

The police investigation reveals that the operators, identified as K and L, opted for cost-cutting measures by employing only three EMTs and utilizing borrowed certifications for the staffing shortfall. Furthermore, K was found to have forged employment contracts with eight EMTs whose certifications were misused, submitting fraudulent documents to the Busan government. This resulted in the illicit transfer of approximately 422 million won from corporate accounts to personal accounts under various pretexts, including health insurance claims. L operated similarly, borrowing a certification from a retired EMT and allowing drivers to transport patients independently on 23 separate occasions, demonstrating a blatant disregard for patient safety regulations.

In response to this alarming situation, the police are urging the public to report any illegal activities or malpractices related to private ambulance operations. Authorities emphasize the importance of compliance with emergency medical protocols to ensure the safety and proper care of patients during ambulance transport, signaling an ongoing commitment to monitoring and enforcing regulations in the private ambulance sector to prevent future violations.