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Posted by: Gazzadp Aug 1 2014, 07:46 PM

When in town today a guy collapsed whilst in Boots, the shop staff and security guard were quick to try and help the person who was unconscious, they dialed 999 and requested an Ambulance.

I just hope the guy is OK as it took over an hour for that Ambulance to arrive at Boots.

Posted by: NWNREADER Aug 1 2014, 09:43 PM

Such a delay is unacceptable, but it is not a uniquely modern issue. How to achieve universally acceptable emergency response, everywhere, all the time?

Posted by: On the edge Aug 1 2014, 10:24 PM

Perhaps it's better reporting, but the number of incidents seems to be on the increase. Way back, a family member worked for the Ambulance service, back in the early 1960s. That was when the services were provided by the County or on an agency basis by Red Cross or SJAB. He was inordinately proud of the 7 minute response time; which was rarely missed. Sadly he became more and more disillusioned as the changes wrought over the years tom effect. I have to admit, I thought he was just being reactionary, but I'm not so sure these days. What's the betting this one gets blamed on 'incorrect categorisation' by the call centre staff.

Posted by: blackdog Aug 1 2014, 11:57 PM

Who's to say that, in this instance, the categorisation was wrong?

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 2 2014, 01:38 AM

No-one here, but who's to say either way.

Posted by: Biker1 Aug 2 2014, 07:43 AM

I have, for reasons I will not go into here, had to call an ambulance to people many times.
In all that time I have never had to wait more than 15-20 mins. And usually much less than that.

Posted by: On the edge Aug 2 2014, 08:12 AM

That's good to hear.

Its may be more intensive reporting and an incremental increase in our expectations that mean we hear more about the issues. They were probably always there.

Another 'today' problem is the business trait of pumping sunshine generally to justify management changes, the 'our new Agency will deliver faster/better/more service at a lower cost', whereas before, the service just got on and did the job.

I have similar reasons for experiencing the service personally and was frankly amazed (and very pleased) with what they managed to do at the side of the road. Whereas my old family ambulance driver would have just put me in the back and taken me to A&E, today real treatment starts when they arrive. As usual, the front line carry on regardless...thankfully!

Posted by: JeffG Aug 2 2014, 08:35 AM

Just wondering how you know all that. Were you there in the store? Are you sure a paramedic wasn't dispatched by car much earlier, and then decided that an ambulance was needed?

An hour seems an extraordinarily long time for a first response.

Posted by: Turin Machine Aug 2 2014, 08:41 AM

Took them less than seven minutes to get to me.

Posted by: Biker1 Aug 3 2014, 07:57 AM

That is very true.
Ones chance of survival are much greater these days due to the treatment that can be given before going to hospital.
In addition to this of course we now have the http://www.tvacaa.org/.
It irks me greatly that this indispensable service relies on donations rather than government money to survive.
Being a motorcyclist I regularly contribute and so should others.
You never know when you may need it, motorcyclist or not!

Posted by: On the edge Aug 3 2014, 06:13 PM

There is something else bikers seem to do for the NHS without too many people noticing, that's rushing donor organs and bloods from place to place. I worked with someone who did this as a volunteer; we only found out by chance!