17.05.12
New system to improve ambulance response
Changes to the way 999 calls are received could save at least 150 lives, and cut over half a million wasted ambulance journeys a year, pilots in London and the West Midlands have shown.
From June, ambulance staff will be given an additional 60 seconds to receive further information from Red 2 calls, in order to prioritise callouts to the most critically ill patients and ensure the most appropriate response vehicle is sent out.
Additional information will include whether the patient is breathing or not and for more detail on their circumstances and symptoms.
For the most serious calls, ambulances will continue to be dispatched immediately.
The pilots showed patients in critical need are reached at least 40 seconds faster, with a 24% reduction in cancellations and fewer double dispatches. The current target is for ambulances to reach 75% of patients in need of urgent medical assistance within eight minutes. The new system is expected to free up vehicles, meaning the target will be moved to 80%.
Matthew Cooke, national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “These changes will make sure that the right support is sent to the right place and reaches patients fast.”
Peter Bradley, chief executive of London Ambulance Service and national ambulance director, said: “At the moment, too many ambulances or rapid response vehicles are sent out when they are not needed.
“Making this small change will mean more ambulances and rapid responders will be ready to go and help patients – rather than be stood down while on their way to somewhere they aren’t needed.”
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