An ambulance has been rendered temporarily unusable after it was allegedly stolen during an emergency call-out in Dunedin, St John says.
The $220,000 vehicle was taken in South Dunedin just after 11pm yesterday, police say, and had to be stopped with road spikes in Waihola.
St John Southland district operations manager Pauline Buchanan said the alleged theft occurred while a crew was responding to a call for emergency assistance in the area.
She said the vehicle was taken while medical staff were attending to the patient at a house.
"It is reprehensible that while our ambulance officers were providing essential clinical care to a patient someone would steal their ambulance," Ms Buchanan said.
"There was complete disregard for the consequences of their actions and for the patient they were caring for.''
Ms Buchanan said it was fortunate the patient was able to be treated at the scene and did not require transportation, and there were no further calls for assistance during that time, as the theft could have potentially affected a patient.
St John was grateful for the swift response by police for apprehending the person who allegedly took the vehicle, she said.
"We understand that the ambulance has sustained considerable damage so will be off the road for repairs, putting it out of action as an emergency resource.''
St John continued to support police in their investigation.
During the incident the ambulance was tracked using its GPS and stopped in Waihola using road spikes. It did not crash and no one was hurt.
A Dunedin man has appeared in the Dunedin District Court this morning charged with driving while forbidden, failing to stop for police, dangerous driving and dishonestly taking a vehicle belonging to St John. He was granted bail with conditions.
