In a rare and challenging medical emergency, a 36-year-old man in Malaysia weighing over 160kg was transported to hospital in a lorry after it was determined that the standard ambulance could not safely accommodate him.
The incident took place on Sunday, 6 July 2025, when emergency responders from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) were called to Tengku Anis Hospital in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan. Captain Nik Mohd Nor Nik Mat, officer-in-charge of the Pasir Puteh District APM unit, explained that due to the patient’s weight exceeding the ambulance’s safety limits, a different transport method was required to avoid any risk or delay.
Team Effort Ensures Safe and Timely Transfer
To manage the situation effectively, five APM personnel were deployed to assist in the transfer. The patient was carefully moved onto a lorry, which provided a secure and stable means to transport him to Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital in Kota Bharu.
Captain Nik highlighted the smooth collaboration between APM members and hospital staff that facilitated a swift response, ensuring the patient’s safety throughout the journey. He praised the professionalism and teamwork demonstrated by the responders, underscoring APM’s commitment to community support in critical medical cases.
Addressing Ambulance Weight Limits in Medical Emergencies
This incident brings attention to the challenges emergency services face when dealing with patients exceeding standard ambulance capacity. Ambulance weight limits are in place to guarantee the safety of both patients and responders, but can sometimes create logistical hurdles in urgent situations.
By using a lorry as an alternative transport vehicle, the authorities mitigated risks associated with improper handling or equipment strain. Such adaptive measures underscore the importance of flexible healthcare logistics and emergency planning in accommodating diverse patient needs.
As obesity rates rise worldwide, similar challenges are expected to become more frequent, prompting discussions on improving medical transport infrastructure to better serve all patients.