The Government has allocated $240 million to replace 196 aged ambulances. The first 100 will be put into service before the end of 2009, with the remaining 96 becoming available in the first half of 2010, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says.

In a reply to lawmaker Wong Ting-kwong, Mr Lee remarked that when the replacement exercise is completed, nearly 80% of the ambulance fleet will have been replaced and all ambulance regions will benefit.

He noted the fleet's age will be reduced from 8.4 years to 1.7.

From January to September, there were 680 maintenance cases on Fire Services Department ambulances arising from mechanical failure, an average of 76 cases a month. 

Replacement according to needs

These cases include breakdowns while the ambulances were attending service calls and those on standby. The figures are comparable to those recorded over the past three years.

Ambulance breakdowns occur more frequently in the summer, from July to September. From 2005 to 2007, there was an average of 108 ambulance breakdowns a month in the summer, about 40% higher than in other months.

The Government has always replaced ambulances according to need. The main criteria include the vehicle's age, maintenance history and accrued mileage. 

From July 24 to 30, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department carried out a special inspection on all 250 ambulances. Engine belts, batteries and air-conditioner components were replaced immediately, if required. 

Enhanced maintenance

The Electrical &Mechanical Services Department has bumped up the frequency of scheduled maintenance on ambulances from three to four times a year since September 16. 

The Government is confident ambulance service reliability will be enhanced to ensure the provision of quality emergency ambulance service.