BEIJING - The number of illegal ambulances in the city is still growing despite a 10-year crackdown, according to the city's 120 Emergency Medical Center.

Few of the unlicensed vehicles, if any, are equipped with proper facilities or trained attendants, which poses a serious danger to vulnerable patients, the center warned.

"We've seen many patients die in these 'black ambulances', or soon afterwards, due to the lack of proper care and equipment," said Li Jianren, a publicity officer with the center.

The unauthorized private ambulances are usually painted to look like an official ambulance with the logo of the 120 Emergency Medical Center or the 999 Emergency Center, the only two organizations in the capital entitled to provide emergency services.

"The van owners usually attract potential customers by posting their business cards in the hospital's restrooms or simply hanging around the hall looking for customers. In some local hospitals, the doctors even introduce patients to the illegal ambulances, as they get some commission," said Li.

"We are not authorized to warn or stop patients even though we know the dangers."

None of the illegal ambulances are equipped with qualified medical staff or sterilized medical equipment, which puts patients at a higher risk of infection, Li said.

"Some black ambulances are even equipped with an industrial oxygen tank, which are forbidden for medical use," Li added.

Besides the poor medical conditions, some illegal ambulances further exploit the patients by offering a cheap price for transportation and then charging extra fees for the medical facilities or on-board attendants.