New Survey Reveals Public Attitudes Towards Ambulance Services and Private Emergency Transport

Examination of Public Attitudes Towards Ambulance Services in Kawasaki City

In October 2025, OPHIS, a nonprofit organization based in Setagaya, Tokyo, released a detailed report on the perceptions and realities of ambulance services and private emergency transport among city residents in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. The survey, which included responses from 1,030 citizens, reveals significant insights into how the public views emergency medical transportation and potential alternatives.

Background of the Survey

As Japan continues to face a super-aged society, there has been a persistent increase in emergency call-outs, or 119 calls. This alarming trend has raised concerns over the operational capacity of ambulance services, impacting the timely response to genuinely critical situations. In Kawasaki, for instance, the number of emergency call-outs reached a record high of 89,114 in fiscal year 2025. Given the pressing challenges in emergency responsiveness, Kawasaki City is actively exploring alternatives to standard ambulance services, specifically in their third-phase implementation plan.

Survey Objectives

This comprehensive survey aimed to evaluate public awareness and understanding of ambulance usage and the potential role of private emergency services. The ultimate goal was to gather foundational data that could guide the development of appropriate transportation alternatives in emergency situations.

Key Findings of the Survey

1. Awareness and Perception of Ambulance Utilization

Approximately 60% of respondents recognized the growing demand for ambulance services, while about 20% of those with prior experience in calling an ambulance expressed uncertainty about whether they made the right decision. Such hesitance highlights a significant public concern surrounding the usage of emergency services.

2. Recognition and Expectations of Private Emergency Services

While merely 28.5% of respondents were aware of private emergency transport services—paid alternatives for less urgent situations—a notable 75% believed these services could serve as viable substitutes for traditional ambulances. Most respondents expressed a willingness to pay up to 10,000 yen for such services, indicating a strong demand for options beyond the standard emergency response framework.

3. Opinions on the Commercialization of Services

Given the context of rising costs and healthcare reforms, 80.9% of participants agreed to the idea of charging fees for non-urgent transport. However, concerns arose within lower-income brackets, where a notable 33.3% opposed this approach due to financial burdens. This dichotomy emphasizes the need for equitable solutions in any proposed changes to emergency transportation services.

4. Findings on User Experience

Among those who had used emergency services, about 20% indicated lingering doubts about their decision to call for an ambulance. This revelation points to some level of anxiety among citizens regarding the appropriate use of emergency medical services. Improved guidelines and increased public awareness of available options might help alleviate these concerns moving forward.

Conclusion

The survey conducted by OPHIS offers critical insight into the public's views and expectations of ambulance and private emergency services in Kawasaki City. With an increasingly aged population and rising emergency call volumes, exploring efficient alternatives is not merely an option, but a necessity. Ensuring that the public is well-informed and has access to effective and affordable emergency services is imperative to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the healthcare system in times of crisis.

About OPHIS

Founded in January 2024, OPHIS is committed to reforming emergency transport systems in Japan, combining expertise in emergency medicine with local problem-solving approaches to create a sustainable emergency response framework.
The organization’s efforts include ongoing research, system support initiatives, and advocacy for better emergency service integration across various sectors.