National Assembly for Wales / Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru
Health and Social Care Committee / Y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol

Inquiry into the performance of Ambulance Services in Wales / Ymchwiliad i berfformiad Gwasanaethau Ambiwlans Cymru

Additional information from Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust – PAS(AI) 10 / Gwybodaeth ychwanegol gan Ymddiriedolaeth GIG Gwasanaethau Ambiwlans Cymru – PAS(AI) 10

From: Estelle Hitchon (Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust - 020 )
Sent: 16 April 2015 13:36
To: Health and Social Care Committee | Y Pwyllgor Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol
Subject: RE: Ymchwiliad i berfformiad Gwasanaethau Ambiwlans Cymru - llythyr i'r Dirprwy Gweinidog | Inquiry into the performance of Ambulance Services in Wales - letter to the Deputy Minister

Dear Colleague

Many thanks for your recent letter requesting additional information following our recent correspondence. I attach an updated spreadsheet which details the number of incidents in each year for which multiple or repeat calls were made.

In addition, Members also indicated that they would welcome more information about the criteria by which the eight-minute target is measured, particularly whether the target is deemed to have been met at the point at which a first responder arrives at the scene, even if that responder is not a paramedic equipped to provide treatment at the scene.

In response, we would say that, in line with all UK Ambulance Services, the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust uses the UK-wide KA34 guidance tool which defines what constitutes an appropriate response in terms of the Category A8-minute standard.

This guidance outlines the following in respect of emergency response:

Paragraph 3.6.1 of KA34 Guidance

For the purposes of the Category A 8-minute standard, an emergency response may only be by:

• An emergency ambulance; or

• A rapid response vehicle equipped with a defibrillator to provide treatment at the scene; or

• An approved first responder equipped with a defibrillator, who is accountable to the ambulance service; or when a healthcare professional is at the location of the incident, equipped with a defibrillator and deemed clinically appropriate to respond by the Trust. A first responder is not a substitute for an ambulance response and an ambulance response should be dispatched to all calls attended by an approved first responder.

I hope this information is helpful to Members. However, should you require anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards

Estelle Hitchon
Associate Director
Chief Executive’s Office
Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust