Today's most viewed
Ambulance chiefs hit back at unions
GREAT western Ambulance Service has hit back at the police, fire and trade union officials who claim poor ambulance provisions are affecting their services.
The Police Federation, UNISON, which represents more than 600 ambulance service staff, and The Fire Brigades Union have joined forces to call for an
improvement in the availability of traditional' ambulances.
A recent reorganisation of the GWAS has seen a greater emphasis on more single target-busting' ambulance response cars, which they claim has been achieved by decreasing the number of traditional ambulances.
UNISON, the FBU and the Police Federation have raised fears that the changes have seen increased delays in getting patients moved from incidents and are impacting negatively on the other 999 services.
UNISON branch chairman, Ian Whittern, said: "Although the arrival of a solo responder may stop the clock' as far as the government target is concerned,
the patient may wait an inordinate amount of time before an ambulance arrives to convey them to hospital.
"At times when ambulance resources are limited, and outstanding 999 calls exceed available resources, solo responders often find themselves in an invidious position, and sometimes forced by necessity, to convey seriously ill patients in an inappropriate vehicle, and unable to closely monitor the patients condition as should occur.
"The availability of ambulance resources has a direct impact on the other 999 providers by tying up their resources at medical incidents."
The joint statement has been issued on behalf of the FBU, Avon and Somerset
Police Federation and UNISON GWAS branch.
In response to the claims, Steve West, the director of operations at GWAS, said: "It is absolute nonsense to suggest that we have reduced the number of ambulances that we have on the road. We have invested in new, extra, solo responders but we have not reduced the number of ambulances.
"We have made significant improvements in our performance over the last 12 months. We are extremely proud of our staff who have worked hard to improve the service to our patients."
Chris Jackson, Brigade Secretary of Avon Fire Brigades Union, said: "Our members work very closely with the staff of Great Western Ambulance Service and note the professional way that they carry out their duties toward the public.
"However we recognise that on occasions due to the ever-increasing workload on ambulance crews and the restricted financial resources afforded the service, crews sometimes are unable to meet the prescribed attendance times.
"These delays cause our members problems in that at times, fire service personnel are delayed at scene awaiting the arrival of ambulances.
"These occasions have caused fire service operations to be affected in as such resources are redirected to cover shortfalls of delayed fire crews."
The Unions of the three services are also calling on the Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to monitor more closely conveyance attendance times, irrespective of the response times published by the Trust.
12:02pm Monday 5th May 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: mummy 1, trowbridge on 3:38pm Mon 5 May 08
In response to the claims, Steve West, the director of operations at GWAS, said: "It is absolute nonsense to suggest that we have reduced the number of ambulances that we have on the road. We have invested in new, extra, solo responders but we have not reduced the number of ambulances.
[bold]bold[/bold] The above is a load of B******s Warminster & Devizes stations now have only one day crew where as they used to have two, Wilts ambulances are now doing jobs in Bath & Bristol. They are not interested in treating the patients only in reaching targets!!!!
In response to the claims, Steve West, the director of operations at GWAS, said: "It is absolute nonsense to suggest that we have reduced the number of ambulances that we have on the road. We have invested in new, extra, solo responders but we have not reduced the number of ambulances.
The above is a load of B******s Warminster & Devizes stations now have only one day crew where as they used to have two, Wilts ambulances are now doing jobs in Bath & Bristol. They are not interested in treating the patients only in reaching targets!!!!
Posted by: CC, Wiltshire on 4:12pm Mon 5 May 08
Sadly, it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Single cars are going out due to the high sickness rate of crews in this area. Moral is very low, and the public are going to suffer as a result.
Someone should make the decision to get rid of some junior managers to save money for where it's really needed - on the frontline!
Sadly, it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Single cars are going out due to the high sickness rate of crews in this area. Moral is very low, and the public are going to suffer as a result.
Someone should make the decision to get rid of some junior managers to save money for where it's really needed - on the frontline!
Posted by: steve, Wiltshire on 9:56am Tue 6 May 08
If you are feeling ill or getting old the answer is to move to Somerset. Hospital and ambulance provision is far superior there, in fact there's a spanking new hospital being opened in Frome very soom. There's also a proper police station.
I'm moving there when I retire (sadly I can't speak French as I would love to live there)
If you are feeling ill or getting old the answer is to move to Somerset. Hospital and ambulance provision is far superior there, in fact there's a spanking new hospital being opened in Frome very soom. There's also a proper police station.
I'm moving there when I retire (sadly I can't speak French as I would love to live there)
Posted by: norville, westwilts on 10:04am Tue 6 May 08
Don't worry about not speaking the language, it hasn't stopped all the illegals heading over here
Don't worry about not speaking the language, it hasn't stopped all the illegals heading over here
Posted by: GSXRRRSP, WESTBURY on 8:38pm Tue 6 May 08
if you want a ambulance just head to the nearest layby or food establishment and they are there filling their faces if you are in need of a ambulance WALK IT WOULD BE QUICKER!!!!
if you want a ambulance just head to the nearest layby or food establishment and they are there filling their faces if you are in need of a ambulance WALK IT WOULD BE QUICKER!!!!
Posted by: CC, Wiltshire on 10:48pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote]quote[/quote] if you want a ambulance just head to the nearest layby or food establishment and they are there filling their faces[quote]quote[/quote]
The reason for that being that they've just done 11 hours of a 12 hour shift with no meal break (or any other break come to that), and when they are given it, they don't have time to return to their base station to get their packed lunch.
Also, with the closure of some stations, certain laybys and service stations are now classed as 'standby points' where they have to sit in order to make the response times.
It's far from a cushty office job, & I suggest people start having a chat with the next crew seen see at one of these places to get a better perspective.
Then you'll be more 'qualified' to pass comment.
These are the same people that pick us up off the roads 24/7, and deal with abuse and crap on an hourly/daily/weekly basis - and no, they don't get paid for that, that comes free!
quote
if you want a ambulance just head to the nearest layby or food establishment and they are there filling their faces
quote
The reason for that being that they've just done 11 hours of a 12 hour shift with no meal break (or any other break come to that), and when they are given it, they don't have time to return to their base station to get their packed lunch.
Also, with the closure of some stations, certain laybys and service stations are now classed as 'standby points' where they have to sit in order to make the response times.
It's far from a cushty office job, & I suggest people start having a chat with the next crew seen see at one of these places to get a better perspective.
Then you'll be more 'qualified' to pass comment.
These are the same people that pick us up off the roads 24/7, and deal with abuse and crap on an hourly/daily/weekly basis - and no, they don't get paid for that, that comes free!
Posted by: mummy 1, trowbridge on 3:24pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]CC[/bold] wrote:
[quote]quote[/quote] if you want a ambulance just head to the nearest layby or food establishment and they are there filling their faces[quote]quote[/quote] The reason for that being that they've just done 11 hours of a 12 hour shift with no meal break (or any other break come to that), and when they are given it, they don't have time to return to their base station to get their packed lunch. Also, with the closure of some stations, certain laybys and service stations are now classed as 'standby points' where they have to sit in order to make the response times. It's far from a cushty office job, & I suggest people start having a chat with the next crew seen see at one of these places to get a better perspective. Then you'll be more 'qualified' to pass comment. These are the same people that pick us up off the roads 24/7, and deal with abuse and crap on an hourly/daily/weekly basis - and no, they don't get paid for that, that comes free![/quote] Well said CC.
GSXRRRSP perhaps you should enquire about work experience, a nice 12hr shift on a ambulance,no time to have a drink or food hardly time for a p**s!! then you will be able to comment on here what really happens and not just what you think!!!!
CC wrote:
quote
if you want a ambulance just head to the nearest layby or food establishment and they are there filling their facesquote
The reason for that being that they've just done 11 hours of a 12 hour shift with no meal break (or any other break come to that), and when they are given it, they don't have time to return to their base station to get their packed lunch. Also, with the closure of some stations, certain laybys and service stations are now classed as 'standby points' where they have to sit in order to make the response times. It's far from a cushty office job, & I suggest people start having a chat with the next crew seen see at one of these places to get a better perspective. Then you'll be more 'qualified' to pass comment. These are the same people that pick us up off the roads 24/7, and deal with abuse and crap on an hourly/daily/weekly basis - and no, they don't get paid for that, that comes free!
Well said CC.
GSXRRRSP perhaps you should enquire about work experience, a nice 12hr shift on a ambulance,no time to have a drink or food hardly time for a p**s!! then you will be able to comment on here what really happens and not just what you think!!!!
Posted by: walter, wilshur on 6:27pm Wed 7 May 08
They are badly paid compared with the police (retire on 3/4 pay after 25 years) or the fire service. It's a bloody hard job - just try carrying a 16-stone person on a stretcher down several flights of stairs! I admire firefighters very much, but at least they have a full crew at incidents.
They are badly paid compared with the police (retire on 3/4 pay after 25 years) or the fire service. It's a bloody hard job - just try carrying a 16-stone person on a stretcher down several flights of stairs! I admire firefighters very much, but at least they have a full crew at incidents.
Posted by: GSXRRRSP, WESTBURY on 8:16pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]CC[/bold] wrote:
[quote]quote[/quote] if you want a ambulance just head to the nearest layby or food establishment and they are there filling their faces[quote]quote[/quote] The reason for that being that they've just done 11 hours of a 12 hour shift with no meal break (or any other break come to that), and when they are given it, they don't have time to return to their base station to get their packed lunch. Also, with the closure of some stations, certain laybys and service stations are now classed as 'standby points' where they have to sit in order to make the response times. It's far from a cushty office job, & I suggest people start having a chat with the next crew seen see at one of these places to get a better perspective. Then you'll be more 'qualified' to pass comment. These are the same people that pick us up off the roads 24/7, and deal with abuse and crap on an hourly/daily/weekly basis - and no, they don't get paid for that, that comes free![/quote] DONT TRY AND SELL ME A SOB STORY I KNOW WHAT PARAMEDICS ARE AND YOU CANT TELL ME DIFFERENT!!!!
CC wrote:
quote
if you want a ambulance just head to the nearest layby or food establishment and they are there filling their facesquote
The reason for that being that they've just done 11 hours of a 12 hour shift with no meal break (or any other break come to that), and when they are given it, they don't have time to return to their base station to get their packed lunch. Also, with the closure of some stations, certain laybys and service stations are now classed as 'standby points' where they have to sit in order to make the response times. It's far from a cushty office job, & I suggest people start having a chat with the next crew seen see at one of these places to get a better perspective. Then you'll be more 'qualified' to pass comment. These are the same people that pick us up off the roads 24/7, and deal with abuse and crap on an hourly/daily/weekly basis - and no, they don't get paid for that, that comes free!
DONT TRY AND SELL ME A SOB STORY I KNOW WHAT PARAMEDICS ARE AND YOU CANT TELL ME DIFFERENT!!!!
Posted by: GSXRRRSP, WESTBURY on 8:18pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]mummy 1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]CC[/bold] wrote: [quote]quote[/quote] if you want a ambulance just head to the nearest layby or food establishment and they are there filling their faces[quote]quote[/quote] The reason for that being that they've just done 11 hours of a 12 hour shift with no meal break (or any other break come to that), and when they are given it, they don't have time to return to their base station to get their packed lunch. Also, with the closure of some stations, certain laybys and service stations are now classed as 'standby points' where they have to sit in order to make the response times. It's far from a cushty office job, & I suggest people start having a chat with the next crew seen see at one of these places to get a better perspective. Then you'll be more 'qualified' to pass comment. These are the same people that pick us up off the roads 24/7, and deal with abuse and crap on an hourly/daily/weekly basis - and no, they don't get paid for that, that comes free![/quote] Well said CC. GSXRRRSP perhaps you should enquire about work experience, a nice 12hr shift on a ambulance,no time to have a drink or food hardly time for a p**s!! then you will be able to comment on here what really happens and not just what you think!!!! [/quote] SORRY NOT LISTENING TALKING TO THE WRONG PERSON I KNOW WHAT PARAMEDICS ARE AND THEY ARE NOT FLAT OUT 12 HOURS A DAY AND THEY ARE LAZY AND DO VERY LITTLE WHEN ON A SHOUT AND HAVE VERY LITTLE KNOWLEDGE AND I HAVE EXPERIENCE OF THIS!!!!
mummy 1 wrote:
CC wrote: quote
if you want a ambulance just head to the nearest layby or food establishment and they are there filling their facesquote
The reason for that being that they've just done 11 hours of a 12 hour shift with no meal break (or any other break come to that), and when they are given it, they don't have time to return to their base station to get their packed lunch. Also, with the closure of some stations, certain laybys and service stations are now classed as 'standby points' where they have to sit in order to make the response times. It's far from a cushty office job, & I suggest people start having a chat with the next crew seen see at one of these places to get a better perspective. Then you'll be more 'qualified' to pass comment. These are the same people that pick us up off the roads 24/7, and deal with abuse and crap on an hourly/daily/weekly basis - and no, they don't get paid for that, that comes free!
Well said CC. GSXRRRSP perhaps you should enquire about work experience, a nice 12hr shift on a ambulance,no time to have a drink or food hardly time for a p**s!! then you will be able to comment on here what really happens and not just what you think!!!!
SORRY NOT LISTENING TALKING TO THE WRONG PERSON I KNOW WHAT PARAMEDICS ARE AND THEY ARE NOT FLAT OUT 12 HOURS A DAY AND THEY ARE LAZY AND DO VERY LITTLE WHEN ON A SHOUT AND HAVE VERY LITTLE KNOWLEDGE AND I HAVE EXPERIENCE OF THIS!!!!
Posted by: CC, Wiltshire on 12:07am Thu 8 May 08
You really are a plonker at times GSX. For a start, a lot of crews are now 1 x Paramedic and 1 x ECA - so the para works much harder in the back for each shout. If 2 of the Technicians go out together, they get to share the workload.
I suggest you get out as an observer, as put forward above - to get a REAL perspective.....! Hopefully not on my shift though as I may have to aim the first vomiting drunk person in your direction.
You really are a plonker at times GSX. For a start, a lot of crews are now 1 x Paramedic and 1 x ECA - so the para works much harder in the back for each shout. If 2 of the Technicians go out together, they get to share the workload.
I suggest you get out as an observer, as put forward above - to get a REAL perspective.....! Hopefully not on my shift though as I may have to aim the first vomiting drunk person in your direction.
Posted by: GSXRRRSP, WESTBURY on 1:07am Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]CC[/bold] wrote:
You really are a plonker at times GSX. For a start, a lot of crews are now 1 x Paramedic and 1 x ECA - so the para works much harder in the back for each shout. If 2 of the Technicians go out together, they get to share the workload. I suggest you get out as an observer, as put forward above - to get a REAL perspective.....! Hopefully not on my shift though as I may have to aim the first vomiting drunk person in your direction.[/quote] if you think you are so hard done by get another job!!!!!!
my last experience of paramedics was a joke and 2 chimps would have had better medical knowledge and anyone can sit around eating all day like you all do!!!
CC wrote:
You really are a plonker at times GSX. For a start, a lot of crews are now 1 x Paramedic and 1 x ECA - so the para works much harder in the back for each shout. If 2 of the Technicians go out together, they get to share the workload. I suggest you get out as an observer, as put forward above - to get a REAL perspective.....! Hopefully not on my shift though as I may have to aim the first vomiting drunk person in your direction.
if you think you are so hard done by get another job!!!!!!
my last experience of paramedics was a joke and 2 chimps would have had better medical knowledge and anyone can sit around eating all day like you all do!!!
Posted by: realistic old man, West wilts on 9:20am Thu 8 May 08
GSX - obviously a well balanced person - a chip on each shoulder
GSX - obviously a well balanced person - a chip on each shoulder
Posted by: CC, Wiltshire on 9:57am Thu 8 May 08
I run my own business as a day job, as I can't afford to live on GWAS pay. I then give my spare time back to them in the form of extra cover for my immediate community, so people in life threatening situations have help more quickly should our crew be out on another job. Hence why I know exactly how hard they work.
It takes 3 years to train for a Paramedic degree, and they are constantly having to update their skills.
I guess you think all ambulance people are Paramedics, like most ill-informed people do. Technicians/ECA's were and are out on the road after a 3 or so months of training (which is updated too), but often get called 'Paramedics' by mistake.
Para's have the OK to pronounce someone dead, which is something usually only doctors are allowed to do. They don't give out that responsibility to 'chimps' - facts are a great thing, usually found by reading things without pictures however, hence why you may be lacking them methinks.
I run my own business as a day job, as I can't afford to live on GWAS pay. I then give my spare time back to them in the form of extra cover for my immediate community, so people in life threatening situations have help more quickly should our crew be out on another job. Hence why I know exactly how hard they work.
It takes 3 years to train for a Paramedic degree, and they are constantly having to update their skills.
I guess you think all ambulance people are Paramedics, like most ill-informed people do. Technicians/ECA's were and are out on the road after a 3 or so months of training (which is updated too), but often get called 'Paramedics' by mistake.
Para's have the OK to pronounce someone dead, which is something usually only doctors are allowed to do. They don't give out that responsibility to 'chimps' - facts are a great thing, usually found by reading things without pictures however, hence why you may be lacking them methinks.
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
