Taipei City Government

The Taipei City Fire Department Golden Phoenix Emergency Medical Service Team has been established for 20 years. For the first time, the ambulances in the team will put on a new look. The newly-introduced full vehicle reflective markings have been approved by the Department of Health of Taipei City Government and the Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and the vehicles will soon be in service on the streets of Taipei.

To improve the driving safety of ambulance personnel performing emergency rescue services, the Fire Department has replaced the mirror image of 119 on the vehicle front with reflective materials and added reflective strips on the front fenders, A-pillars and C-pillars of ambulances. In addition, red and yellow alternate colors and large coverage of reflective strips are applied to the side and rear part of vehicles in accordance with the relevant provisions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Reflective Markings Format for Fire Fighting Vehicles of the National Fire Agency, Ministry of the Interior, to enhance the all-round recognizability of ambulances and effectively alert other road users early.

The biggest highlight of the ambulances’ new look is the use of Battenburg markings on the vehicle body. Battenburg markings are used primarily on emergency vehicles. Studies have shown that human eyes are most sensitive to staggered squares, and the use of Battenburg markings, which have reflective squares in alternate colors, can draw drivers’ attention, thereby reducing the chance of car accidents. The materials of reflective strips used in this application complies with the CNS4345 national standards and can manage to retain 80% reflection performance even after 7 consecutive years of weathering and continue to provide driving safety during the service life of ambulances.

The lives of citizens are protected by 119, and the driving safety of ambulance personnel depends on the cooperation of other road users. In 2020, Taipei City is introducing a new look to all firefighting ambulances, and the 90 ambulances of the Fire Department will gradually put on a new look in the next 5 years.

The Fire Department once again wants to call for road users’ attention. Reduce the vehicle speed and give way to ambulances when you hear the siren or see the “119” markings in the rear-view mirrors. Road users can also appreciate the new look after giving way safely to ambulances.