§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what proportion of NHS ambulance trusts publish data on their thrombolysis protocols and procedures; [88754]
(2) what steps he is taking to improve the ability of ambulance paramedics to provide thrombolysis for appropriate patients. [88753]
§ Mr. LammyCurrently eight of the 31 ambulance services are providing paramedic thrombolysis according to protocols agreed by local health economies. These protocols are based on a clear guideline from the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) published on the Royal College of Physicians' and Ambulance Services Association websites. They are available from the individual ambulance services on request. Paramedic training is essential for safe and effective thrombolysis. Central funding of £14 million from 2002 to 2004 is being invested in ambulance trusts to support paramedic training and provide 12 lead ECG monitors/defibrillators and linked to accident and emergency departments. All front-line 999 ambulances will be equipped by December 2003.