999 Emergency response

An ambulance crew came to see me, but didn't take me to hospital. Why not?

When you call 999, we aim to provide you with care that meets your clinical need. The aim is to deliver this by the most appropriate clinician and at a location that is most suitable to you and the wider healthcare community.

Conveyance to hospital may often be the most appropriate care pathway for example, if you have complex clinical or mental health needs. However, we support our staff to make referrals to the most appropriate care provider, such as the patients GP, a Minor Injuries Unit, a Walk-in Centre or Mental Health Facility.

Alternatively, the provider of care may be brought to the patient through the use of specialist nursing teams like Community Matrons, District Nurses, Out of Hours services or other specialist providers.

Why do ambulance staff have to spend time on paperwork?

When an ambulance crew arrives, they are required to undertake some clinical observations. It is a legal requirement for the ambulance staff to document the events leading to the 999 call, your condition upon their arrival and any observations and treatment that is provided.

Please be assured that our ambulance staff will not unnecessarily delay in providing the most appropriate care to you or delay any journey whilst completing their paperwork.

Who can travel with me in an emergency ambulance?

The privacy and clinical need of our patients is of paramount importance to us. There is limited space available in our vehicles to enable additional passengers to travel safely. It is for this reason that escorts for patients are kept to a minimum, usually only one person, who is ordinarily a relative, carer or friend. However, this will depend on the circumstances of the event. The safety of the patient and ambulance crew will be considered prior to agreeing to any additional escort.

What can I take with me in the ambulance?

The ambulance environment is designed to take you safely to hospital. The ambulance crew are unable to carry anything that would create an unsafe working environment and this is particularly important if they may be required to drive at speed.

We understand that it might be upsetting to travel without a piece of equipment that you rely on. However, if you require a mobility aid these can be provided at the hospital.

Please be aware that any property you take with you on an ambulance, you do so at your own risk. The ambulance crew cannot be held responsible for your own personal property.