France: Ambulance drivers protest in Paris Dec. 3

Event

Ambulance drivers gathered in Paris on Monday, December 3, to protest the government reform on the financing of health transport. Hundreds of ambulances blocked the streets from Place de la Concorde to the National Assembly. Further protests are possible in the coming days and weeks, along with associated transportation disruptions, and potential delayed emergency transport.

Context

Around 700 ambulance drivers gathered on the Paris ring road on November 5 to denounce the government reform on the financing of health transport, which came into effect on October 1. They continued their protests on November 6. The reform states that from now on, hospitals and clinics will decide which ambulance services to use, rather than the patients, potentially jeopardizing small ambulance companies.

Advice

Individuals located in the area are advised to monitor the situation and allow for extra time to reach their destination on protest days.