Scott still backs calls for an extra full time ambulance (South Of Scotland Liberal Democrats)

South Of Scotland Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Scott still backs calls for an extra full time ambulance

September 23, 2009 2:53 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Reacting to the news that the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) had only managed to attract one suitable applicant for the post of a retained technician to man an ambulance in Brae, Shetland MSP, Tavish Scott, has repeated his view that what Shetland needs is a second emergency ambulance crewed by a full time crew.

Tavish Scott said,

"The SAS fell far short of their minimum of eight suitable applicants in Brae. This is not altogether surprising. To take on such a role on a retained basis is a substantial commitment which few are in a position to give. We already crew our fire service with retained firefighters, which must use up a good proportion of the people able and willing to take on a retained emergency service role. So the SAS was optimistic in hoping to be able to find enough retained ambulance technicians.

"The Shetland mainland needs a second emergency ambulance. I remain of the belief that this should be manned by full time staff. Recruiting and training such staff may take time, but it seems to me to be likely to be the only way of achieving the second emergency ambulance we need."