Ambulance Service

I've seen two Essex Ambulance Service Paramedic cars with red flashing lights on the rear this week. Im not sure the purpose of this, they were on call outside an address responding to an emergency so why didn't they have blue lights on? It seems really strange, it was late evening and dark so I couldn't see what the vehicle was until I drove past it. It was causing a lot of issues where it was parked and I think it would have been more prominent with blue lights on and then people would have been more patient. What do you think? Joe

The BRC are bringing in (or have done in some areas) a new response team that give assistance to people after fires and floods, which involves co-ordinating emergency accomodation amongst many things. Just wondering if anyone else has heard about this new voluntary on-call service, or if anyone is part of a team in the UK?

hi all. im currently in the process of making a code 3 ambulance in north east ambulance livery this is a very large 1/16 scale it is currently awaiting lightbar,sirens and further livery the ambulance is about 70% completed and to say its been a royal pain to make would be an understament it has also been converted to radio controlled which are very rare please find attached latest photos

A Dartford Traffic Officer was sadly killed at Junction 5 of the M25 this afternoon whilst responding to a RTC that left debris in the road. Whilst clearing this debris, he was struck by another vehicle and despite the best efforts of the Ambulance Service he was pronounced dead at the scene. RIP, my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time.

Hello everybody. Not been active on here in a while as I have been busy. Anyway, let's get straight to the point, I was looking at doing some volunteering and I was wondering if anyone on here has volunteered for the British Red Cross Fire & Emergency Support Service?, If so would you be kind enough to give me some information on what the role is like and what experience is needed? Many thanks in advance, Antony

An ambulance manager has been struck off by a health regulator after failing to declare a murder conviction. A Health and Care Profession Council panel heard Robert King worked in the service for 16 years after giving false information in his application form. The hearing heard the murder raised "serious concerns about his suitability as a health care professional". Mr King, 48, of Merton Road, Ambrosden, Oxfordshire, was convicted at Reading Crown Court in 1981. He was not present at Friday's disciplinary hearing in London. It was alleged he was dishonest by also failing to admit to a conviction for stealing a motor vehicle and ticking the "no previous convictions" …

What's the difference between Emergency Response, first aid and event first aid volunteering? They all seem to overlap.

Working with St John and also through personal experience I've come across a fair few Paramedics who were overweight, which surprises me. Looking at potential incidents, Paramedics might be required to carry equipment up flights of stairs, carry a patient down stairs and perform CPR for x amount of minutes. So my question is this: Are Paramedics required to undergo fitness tests? If so, is this just an initial test to join or are they annual/semi-annual? Should Paramedics be required to be 'fit' to a certain level? What are your thoughts on this? Edit: In response to Myky's point. Anyone who responds to emergencies in a Paramedic-type role.

As many will know, local Fire & Rescue services and the Ambulance service has been carrying out this joint operation for awhile now. However the driving of one particular co-responder I have now witnessed twice is somewhat concerning. What sort of driver training do these co-responders receive?

Being out of the Capital for sometime now. How long have LAS had the BMW's?

I'm just wondering if anyone else on here has done/ is doing this scheme?

Just a quick query for any Highways Agency people on here. (I know there are a couple) The HATO's we see on the motorway and major arterial roads normally drive Discoveries etc and are in a distinguishable uniform. Is there any difference between these and the fellas who turn up from the Highways Agency at RTI's and close off roads? (apart from them looking like a builder and driving 7.5t lorries) Is there a different type of training etc are they classed as HATO's or something else? Thanks

Good morning! Not so long ago I was speaking to a chap who is an EO for the UK Border Agency and if you are out there who was it! I can't remember!

Was just wondering if anyone knows anything about this company called TT2, they patrol the four tunnels under the River Tyne. I see their using blue lights. I know ye have fairly stringent legislation in the UK as to who can use blue lights etc but curiousity has got the better of me in relation to this company. How can they get away with this & their "traffic officers" wear almost indentical uniforms to traffic police across the UK. Copyright acknowledgement to www.ukemergency.co.uk in relation to the pictures I've used.

This really surprised me, I have to say I have never seen a porky fireman, even though most of the ones I see in our area are retained brigade If this is true (and I emphasise the IF) there is no excuse, as firefighters (the full time ones) have plenty of downtime between shouts to keep fit. I have seen multigyms in fire stations so they even get provided with the means to keep the weight off