Man’s Midsummer sauna accident leads to chaotic stretcher taxi journey to Oulu
A 67-year-old man from Kälviä suffered a serious neck injury after slipping in a sauna on Midsummer’s Day, leading to a delayed and troubled transfer to Oulu University Hospital (OYS) for surgery. The incident, which Juha Pelttari described as having "Kummelit-style features," involved a stretcher taxi running out of fuel mid-journey, prolonging his discomfort.
Pelttari slipped on detergent in the sauna, hitting his head and neck against the log rack, according to Keskipohjanmaa (Ilta-Sanomat). Initially taken by ambulance to Kokkola’s Central Ostrobothnia Central Hospital, his condition was not deemed critical at first. However, an MRI scan later revealed a severe cervical disc injury, necessitating transfer to OYS for surgery (Iltalehti).
The transfer was arranged via a stretcher taxi, a non-urgent transport service covered by Kela for patients who require a stretcher but do not need medical care during the journey. Pelttari’s experience, however, was far from smooth. The vehicle was too small for his size, forcing him to hold the IV bag between his legs during the 200-kilometre trip (Ilta-Sanomat). After covering 190 kilometres, the taxi ran out of fuel on a busy motorway, leaving Pelttari stranded for an hour and a half.
Pelttari described the situation as absurd, telling Keskipohjanmaa he felt "thirsty, hot, in pain, and unsafe" while waiting for assistance (Iltalehti). A tow truck eventually arrived, refuelling the taxi at a service station before completing the journey. Despite the delays, Pelttari reached OYS for surgery.
Kela taxis: Satisfaction mixed with shortcomings
The incident highlights both the necessity and challenges of Kela’s stretcher taxi service. While a May 2025 survey found most users satisfied, some reported issues such as late arrivals and difficulties securing vehicles equipped for wheelchairs (Ilta-Sanomat). Kela reimburses taxi fares when a patient’s condition requires stretcher transport, though the service is not intended for urgent medical care.