Welsh Ambulance Service
The Welsh Ambulance Service (also called the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust or Ymddiriedolaeth GIG Gwasanaethau Ambiwlans Cymru) is the national ambulance service for Wales. It was established on April 1, 1998 and has 2,500 staff providing ambulance and related services to the 2.9 million residents of Wales.
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[edit] Organisation
Its headquarters is located at H.M.Stanley Hospital, St Asaph, Denbighshire and it is divided into three regions:
- Central and West Region based at Ty Maes Y Gruffudd, Cefn Coed Hospital, Cockett, Swansea
- North Region based at H.M.Stanley Hospital, St Asaph, Denbighshire
- South-East Region based at Vantage Point House, Ty Coch Ind Est, Cwmbran
The service is currently investing heavily as part of a 5 year modernization plan.
[edit] Services
The Welsh Ambulance Service provides:
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) - This service responds to emergency 999 calls and GP's urgent calls. Each ambulance crew consists of a Paramedic and an Ambulance Technician. Staff may respond in Ambulances, High performance Rapid Response Vehicles or using 4x4 trucks to reach isolated patients. Unlike some Ambulance services, Welsh Ambulance rapid response veichles must have a paramedic on board. The Service uses customised Ford Focus estate cars and Volvo estate cars. The Service has just made a 14 million pound contract with Mercedes Benz to create a very large fleet of ambulances which have been designed by ambulance crews containing only the latest in medical and vehicle technology.
Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) - Wales is served by three helicopters operated by the ((Welsh Air Ambulance)) (Heavily customised Red Eurocopter EC135's). These are based in North, Mid and South Wales (Swansea). Combined, the HEMS units are capable of reaching a critically ill patient anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes of receiving a call. Each helicopter crew consists of an experienced pilot, and two critical care Paramedics. HEMS is NOT operated directly by the W.A.S. however the helicopter carries the Welsh ambulance service logo, equipment and Ambulance service employees.
Patient Care Services (PCS) - This service deals with the planned care aspect of ambulance work. PCS staff usually provide transport between home and healthcare facilities or some inter-hospital transfers. They may provide basic healthcare needs during transit, such as administering Oxygen.
Community First Responders (CFR) - CFR's are volunteers from the community trained in basic first aid, oxygen administration and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). They are used by the ambulance service mostly in rural areas to provide basic care, such as Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) whilst an ambulance is on the way. As the live locally in the rural communities, they often arrive within minutes despite not having blue lights or sirens.
