Fire Services Debacle...

Posted on March 16, 2007 by Pamela Azar

My husband and I have been living in Tokyo for sometime now and it has been an experience in many different ways. We have been and still are totally impressed by the efficiency of the Japanese in general and that includes government services. What a luxury….

….however, this efficiency can sometimes be brought to new levels in a negative way. We live on a main street in Motoazabu, with a Fire Service station about 100 meters on our right and a renowned hospital across the street on the left. When we first got here, hearing the fire trucks storm out of the station and rush down the street to help desperate citizens was nothing out of the ordinary. What stunned us though was that some “overzealously efficient” fireman in one of these trucks was having the time of his life blaring out in a microphone “get out of the way” to every vehicle along the way. Two days later, it got even crazier when this outburst threw us out of bed at about 2 am in a complete state of panic and we realised, to our utmost distress, that it does not only happen during the day…..

One can sincerely appreciate that these gentlemen are doing their level best to get to where they have to as quickly as possible. On the other hand, I would like to believe that the driving community is ‘civilised’ enough to ‘get out of the way’ in such situations and I am sure that they would still do so without the braying. If it really has to be done, let it be on major roads and busy arteries during peak hours. Its purpose might, just about, be justified.

But you know, let’s forget about our distress of literally falling out of bed at some godforsaken hours because of this racket and face the most important part of this ‘issue’. The hospital!

For obvious reasons, hospital surroundings all around the world are swamped with signs FORBIDDING any horning and other loud noises so as not to disturb the patients. Here, the lack of consideration for the same goes beyond my understanding. If one would take a wild guess, it goes without saying that between the permanent drilling and digging (construction works during the day) and the fire trucks’ crazy rides (anytime during the day and night), the chances of both hospital patients and other mere mortals living in the vicinity to have a quiet sleep will probably look slim…In all honesty, I am not even taking bets anymore because the chances are close to non existent!

We have lived in different countries and experience a multitude of cultures. We love Japan and believe that it can only get better. This issue, which might seem insignificant to some, would really make a difference in people’s lives if tackled. Most importantly, it would certainly help bring ‘genuine’ citizen care to new levels and this time, in a positive way.