[E. Pluribus Unum]

They are obviously getting a kickback from the ambulance company.

[Mr. Bird]

This happens here in the U.S. on occasion. In the American cases, thank the trial lawyers: a hospital employee providing medical care (including transportation to the facility even if it's 10 yards away) outside of the facility is opening themselves and the institution to lawsuits. So they are told not to do it.

[maica]

The ambulance service is government-run.

[Phantom Lord]

They are obviously getting a kickback from the ambulance company.

Something similar, but not really similar happened to me and my wife.

My wife called me at work and told me to come home and take her to the emergency room. When I got home I had no idea what was wrong with her. She could not talk, walk, or do anything. She could move a little, point at things, and the like.

Got her to the emergency room and they took her in and started doing what they do. A few minutes later they called me back to the room she was in. Asked me what was wrong with her. I told them I had no idea. They asked me questions like has she taken any drugs, is she on any prescriptions, etc... They then told me they could not help her and that she needed to go to the hospital. They asked if I would like to drive her or have her taken in an ambulance. I asked how far away was the hospital. "200 yards" was the answer.

I drove her.