Written question asked by Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 9 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 June 2005. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 June 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Ambulances (Equipment)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her Department's policy is on what equipment should be provided in ambulances.

Answer: The Department expects ambulances to be appropriately equipped to deliver care, in accordance with national clinical guidelines, to the patients they see. It is for each national health service ambulance trust to determine how this is done. Regional variations in service provision and type of vehicle, for example, weight allowance, are all factors, which trusts take into account. The British Standards Institute has a recommended list of equipment to be carried, which trusts can use and add to as appropriate.For emergency preparedness, every front line emergency ambulance is equipped to deal with a major incident, having on board and being familiar with their local major emergency plan and action cards. All have the correct level of personal protective equipment to allow them to work in a major incident environment. In the event of a major incident, every trust has emergency equipment vehicles carrying the extra medical supplies required for a large-scale incident and a mobile control unit, plus sufficient ambulance officers to manage the incident.

Secondary information