HC Deb 23 July 1957 vol 574 cc210-1
42. Mr. Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are operated by the Scottish Ambulance Service to ensure that where stretcher cases are dealt with it is never necessary for the ambulance driver to knock up neighbours of the patient in order to find the additional stretcher bearer.

Mr. J. N. Browne

Where is can be arranged an attendant accompanies the driver for stretcher cases, but it is sometimes necessary to depend on the good will of neighbours, which is, I am glad to say, traditionally forthcoming.

Mr. Lawson

Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that, except in some of the larger towns of Scotland—not all of them—there is no ambulance attendant and that when a vehicle goes out the driver must therefore seek assistance if someone has to be carried? Is he aware that in the recent accident at Blackford in Perthshire, when the ambulance arrived 1 hour and 10 minutes after it was asked for, two persons had been killed and two injured and the ambulance had only one driver and no attendant?

Mr. Browne

I am aware of the position, but we must spend our money the best way we can in the National Health Service. The cost of providing double manning in all cases would be prohibitive and out of all proportion to the benefit.

Mr. Lawson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is no question of double manning being provided in all cases, but that there are instances in which attendants are required? In most parts of the country there are no attendants, and I am making an appeal that attendants should become a regular part of the service.

Mr. Browne

The Joint Committee responsible for all the ambulance services in Scotland has looked at this matter most carefully, and I really believe the present policy is the best in the light of all the circumstances.

Mr. Ross

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that very often the need is obvious to hospital committees, but that when it becomes necessary to spare people who really should be working in the hospitals to go out with ambulances it is casting a burden on the hospitals?

43. Mr. Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what first-aid qualifications are considered desirable among Scottish ambulance crews; and what proportion of existing crews already have those qualifications.

Mr. J. N. Browne

Drivers and attendants in the employment of the Joint Central Committee are expected to hold a recognised first-aid certificate. They are those granted by—the St. Andrew's Ambulance Association, the British Red Cross Society, the St. John Ambulance Association, London County Council and Her Majesty's Forces. All but 25 of the present strength of 445 have such a qualification.

Mr. Lawson

Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that he has spoken of those who are in the direct employment of the ambulance service, but that the great bulk of ambulance work in the country districts is contracted out, in which case there is no such obligation? Is he aware that those services send out an ambulance with a single driver to an accident, a driver who may have no first-aid qualifications whatever?

Mr. Browne

The firms contracting with the Joint Central Committee are expected to encourage their ambulance drivers and attendants to qualify in first-aid. Most of those drivers are understood to be qualified. I regret that I cannot give the hon. Member any figures because his Question does not refer to figures, but this is a matter at which I undertake to look most carefully.