Police and Ambulance service partnership
Tuesday, 03 November, 2009
Camden police have piloted a new innovative partnership with the London
Ambulance Service believed to be the first of its kind in the country.
A trial is underway in the borough, which sees paramedics and police attending emergency calls in the same vehicle.
The dual response scheme was devised
as a solution to dealing with the
many 999 calls that require both the
presence of police and medical staff.
Officers believe the operation, which is
being trialled in a police car over
Friday and Saturday nights, will help save
lives. Inspector Martin Kemp from Kentish
Town Police Station said: The big winner
in this for me is that members of the
public get a first class service. Put
yourself in the position of someone
who has been assaulted or hurt in a
road traffic accident. This vehicle turns
up with everyone on board to deal with that incident and it's a very professional
response."
The scheme is also designed to make the most of resources. A paramedic arriving on
scene with the police can judge whether an ambulance is needed or not and if necessary can cancel it so the vehicle can be free to attend another emergency.
The scheme will run until January to
cover the busy Christmas period, when the emergency services are often stretched. It
will then be reviewed and may be extended.
Inspector Kemp added: "It has proven to be very successful at this stage and there has been no cost factor involved."
