Chapter 3: Rights and responsibilities
ACTIVITY: AN AMBULANCE AT A CHECKPOINT
What would you do if you were the driver?
I’d ask the soldier to quickly check the ambulance, giving it priority over other vehicles.
I’d remind the soldier that Red Cross ambulances must be immediately granted access and that I’ll report him to his superior if he does not let me through.
Correct answer!
In so doing, you wouldn’t put your crew at risk but would speed up the process. At a checkpoint, authorities have an obligation to speed up and prioritize the checking process for ambulances and emergency aid. Medical personnel have the right and a duty to remind them of their obligations.
Incorrect answer!
Although access must be granted to neutral aid, the soldier is concerned that the ambulance might carry weapons to the enemy. Being aggressive would only put the crew in danger and delay passage through the checkpoint. Authorities have the right to check ambulances, but they also have an obligation to speed up the process and prioritize the checking of medical vehicles. Medical doctors should remind them of this obligation.