Union fears over plans for solo paramedics

Dec 12 2007 by Aaron Boland, Liverpool Daily Post

MERSEYSIDE ambulance service’s plan to increase the number of vehicles manned by one person and sent to 999 calls has prompted worries that staff and patients could be at risk, it was revealed last night.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), which covers Merseyside and Cheshire, will increase its number of “solo paramedic responders” to enable them to meet new Government targets.

But Stephanie Thomas, head of health for Unison in the North West said: “We are concerned this move could put staff and patients at risk in Merseyside and the surrounding area.

“We are not against an increase in solo response vehicles in principle and would welcome it, but what steps have they taken to make sure there are enough staff?

“What happens if a patient needs to be taken to hospital? One person cannot move a patient.

“We do not want staff waiting alone in threatening situations for back-up. For instance, if you have been called out to a fight on a Friday night it could be a very intimidating situation.”

The majority of other trusts in the country are also planning to use more solo responders.

From April, the way ambulance response times are measured will change. New Government policy means the clock starts from the moment an emergency call is connected to its local ambulance control centre.

At the moment, times are measured after details have been given.

National targets require ambulance services to respond to serious and life-threatening calls within eight minutes across 75% of calls.

To meet the new targets NWAS says it needs to improve its response to these calls by at least 10%.

Solo paramedic responders have been used across the North West over the last eight years, and are backed up by an emergency ambulance for all serious and life-threatening calls.

The Trust says it is also piloting a model in the Wirral area, where a solo paramedic responder initially attends patients to determine the most appropriate ambulance for their need.

A spokesman for the Trust said: “NWAS recognises that this is a major challenge for the Trust and, in partnership with its commissioners, it has developed plans to help bridge the gap, which involve increased investment into frontline services.

“This will include an increase in the number of solo paramedic responders, and more call takers and dispatchers in the control centres across the North West.

“When implementing any future changes, NWAS will consider its urban and rural demography. Patient safety is of paramount importance to the Trust and any models used will be fully risk-assessed.”

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