Ambulance Quote by Denis Parsons Burkitt
“If people are constantly falling off a cliff, you could place ambulances under the cliff or build a fence on the top of the cliff. We are placing all too many ambulances under the cliff.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Safety conference, 2015
Overprotective measures can create dependence rather than prevent harm.
In simple terms: Too many safety nets can be counterproductive.
Key Takeaway
Reduce unnecessary safeguards, focus on prevention.
Themes
safety
prevention
dependency
Mood
cautionary
analytical
Type
policy
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace safety policies
- public health interventions
- urban planning
- education curricula
Key Concepts
risk management
systems thinking
behavioral economics
Questions to Reflect On
- What are effective ways to encourage self‑reliance?
- When is a safety net essential?
A Different Perspective
Removing safety nets can increase risk if not paired with education.
