Tuesday, December 11, 2007|
One-person ambulance plan 'could risk lives' Plans to answer more emergency calls with one-person ambulance crews could put patients' lives at risk, according to critics. However the Government today defended the plans, saying that it would free up resources for other calls. Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said that sending a 'single responder' rather than a double-crewed ambulance would mean a quicker response time. He said: "Fast-response vehicles can often get to the scene faster than traditional ambulances and can provide assessment and care until a further response arrives." His comments came after reports that all but one of the ambulance trusts in England have submitted plans for greater use of 'solo responders' to help meet new response time targets.
By Gary Cleland
Last Updated: 9:30am GMT 11/12/2007 |
