Serious Question Time - If you called an ambulance would you be bothered if it was a private ambulance or an NHS truck that arrived?

[bobjugs12]

Say for example your OH is ill and you dial 999. The vehicle that arrives is a proper ambulance with blue lights, markings, and all the kit onboard. However, it does not belong to the NHS. Would you be upset that it's owned and run by a private company or would it not bother you?

[mccfluff]

would't bother me why?

[237SJ]

No. I`d just be glad of the help

[Mamyalynne]

At that moment in time, it would mean nothing as long as the crew knew their job and helped my loved one.

[ummmm]

If I was dialling 999 I think it would be the least of my worries.

[NazNomad]

I've only ever been in one, but if they were properly trained, got there quickly and had all the equipment, I can't see that it would matter who owns it.

It might matter to the NHS, or the tax-payers, but not to the patient, surely?

[bobjugs12]

Ok, fair enough. Just wondering what the public thought (if anything) about private ambulances

[ummmm]

Are the paramedics employed by the NHS?

[bobjugs12]

No ummmm, they are employed by the company. However the crews will all hold appropriate training (HPC Paramedic or IHCD Technician same as the NHS) and the vehicle will meet all requirements laid down by the NHS

[spud-u-like]

Wouldnt be bothered in the slightest as long as the expertise and help was top rate.

[Sqad]

Nope.

I had a hip replacement in a Private Hospital and developed a DVT and a pulmonary embolus. The hospital called the NHS ambulance to transfer me to IC at a NHS hospital and they refused to come saying that they were not allowed to pick up from a Private Hospital. Explaining that I had given 40years as a Consultant in the NHS and paid more taxes than most, cut no ice.

The private ambulance was fine, well equipped and did the job.

[jaydah]

Never noticed but I would prefer an ambulance to a truck

[ummmm]

Still doesn't bother me.

I've only had two dealings with an ambulance. 1 good 1 bad...

[B00]

Bobjugs- im currently reading a book about an abulence driver called Blood, Sweat and Tears, heard of it? It's very good and a bit of an eyeopener in your field of work!

and to answer your question, no, i wouldn't care less.

[jd_1984]

When I picture "Private Ambulance" I think of transporting the deceased! So definitely NHS.

[B00]

sorry, blood sweat and Tea, not tears.

[bobjugs12]

I know the book BOO, and the ambulance worl is a small place. One of my crewmates is mentioned in the second book several times. She and he worked together on numerous occaisions, and she can't stand him lol
JD, when I say private ambulance, I don't mean a mortuary vehicle. I just mean a front-line ambulance driven and crewed by a non-NHS team

[daffy654]

I bought that book a few years ago B00, there are some really funny bits in it!

Bobjugs, I wouldn't care if the ambulance was private or NHS as long as the paramedics were trained properly.

[B00]

awww why, is he a t1t? He seemed so nice :-(

[bobjugs12]

Jaydah, sorry, I was using trade slang. Truck = ambulance

[bednobs]

how would one know who paid for it?