§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has regarding the arrangements which exist for the interchange of information between ambulance services in England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanRegional ambulance officers are responsible for ensuring co-operation and co-ordination of ambulance services within their region and they hold regular meetings for that purpose with the chief ambulance officers of these services. Regional ambulance officers themselves form a group which meets regularly with departmental officials to facilitate the exchange of information between services. In addition, ad hoc seminars and conferences are held when necessary to discuss matters of national import.
§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the current standards of training provided for ambulance crews in England.
§ Mr. FreemanThe National Health Service Training Authority is the body responsible for devising the programme of training and syllabi for ambulance staff and in addition it also monitors extended training in the skills of advanced resuscitation. Training is carried out by regional ambulance training schools.
All grades of employees must attend appropriate courses as determined by their employing authority. To attain the grade of qualified ambulanceman, an employee must undertake a six-week approved course in ambulance aid; a two-week driver course; complete at least 12 months on operational duties and be assessed by the employing authority as competent over the whole range of duties. Qualified and leading ambulancemen must attend a two-week post-proficiency course in ambulance aid at intervals of no more than five years.