Ambulance services suspended after bombs - London, UK

[x635 4,066]

I found it interesting that they would actually suspend some service. I don't think that would ever happen here, you'd still be getting the BS no matter what.

Ambulance services suspended after bombs - London, UK    

London Ambulance said they were having to deal with so many casualties that the rest of the service had been suspended apart from the most serious cases.

An LAS spokesperson said: "Due to current levels of demand, we will, until further notice, only be sending ambulances to patients across the capital with life threatening illnesses or injuries.

"As an example, this is people who have difficulty in breathing or persistent chest pains, those who have stopped breathing, or who have received traumatic injuries. This will enable us to focus on treating the large numbers of casualties at the scene.  

"We would urge callers with minor injuries or illnesses to think about using other healthcare options, for example visit their local pharmacist or walk-in centre, or call NHS Direct for advice.

"If people need to go to hospital, they should use other modes of transport - call a taxi or get a lift with a friend or family member."

Added the spokesperson: "We were called at 08.51 this morning to reports of an incident at Liverpool Street Station.  

"Since the original call, further reports of incidents in central London have been received and numerous London Ambulance Service resources have been deployed.  

"Working with the other emergency services, we are doing all we can to get casualties to safety and ensure they get the medical help they need as quickly as possible."  

Jul 7, 2005, 10:48

[COMMANDCHIEF 4]

I believe the level of care in the UK as well as many ambulances in Europe are far higher than ours here in the States. You will see EMS in the field showing up with a doctor on board. Here it's a Paramedic. That is why they chose to take this drastic action. So there really isn't a lower level of care like BLS to send.

I don't know if it's true today, but years ago the Baltimore City Police use to cancel EMS and send people in taxi's if it appeared they were going to use the EMS system as a "bus". I don't know how they could have done this because of libility, but I was actually told that it was done.

To spare the already taxed EMS service of our nation, I support a contract our system, where the local EMS will only transport/respond serious medical cases. All others will be handled by a paid EMS service. Our VAC's are getting killed by the abuse of the system. And it's a shame, they are a viable part of our national defense.

[tbendick 27]

This isn't that odd.. FDNY EMS will also deploy plans like this.

Some Examples.

During the blackout, we stopped responding to Segment 8 calls. These are calls for Minior Injury, Burns, Sick, EDP's and a few others. They also had people that would call back to see what calls we could not respond to.. EDP's is a big one because there is a lot of these each day. So NYPD would have to handle on there own.

On there side.

During the Blizzard, the Ambulance availablity went down because units had trouble moving patients over the snow. They changed response so that all EMS/Fire Response both units would have to continue in. Unlike now when EMS gets there first FD Leaves.

[MGMedic 0]

Eventually EVERYONE who calls for a ride will just be conditioned to say "I have chest pain". Guaranteed ride.