One of my friends was very, very ill last week and had to be taken to the hospital. His wife called the SAMU, or Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente, and asked for an ambulance. They took 45 minutes to arrive, by which time he was covered with blood. I've been told by several people here that if it's a real emergency, you should call the firemen (18), not the SAMU (15).
On the way to the hospital, the ambulance was stopped twice by policemen for using its siren and speeding! An ambulance here has right of way only when accompanied by a police escort.
Oh my!! I'm so sorry to hear that. This is truly unfortunate and if that's the case with SAMU, it's definitely something that people need to aware of in a medical emergency. Thank you for the post and best wishes for your friend's recovery.
Posted by: academoiselle | 21 January 2013 at 22:18
That would explain why I hear so few ambulances in Paris. I hope your friend gets well soon.
Posted by: chrissoup | 22 January 2013 at 22:16
Oh geez. Good to know. I hope your friend is doing better.
Posted by: Mary | 23 January 2013 at 04:20