You got a memo to drive faster because of your ORCON times.

Because obviously you're not driving as fast as you feel you safely can in order to try and save lives, or anything.

Management: Those who are promoted well above their level of competence - or incompetence.

You should drive faster on one condition...

... at least one member of said management should be tied to the bonnet at all times.

They'd soon change their policies when their turn came round.

The eyes are always watching the times aren't they. With regard to your previous post your service does seem to chose an eclectic mix of vehicles.
We have been using subarus for quite a while in urban areas. good clearance for gutters, AWD, and an excellent safety package
http://www.colacambulance.com/MICA372.jpg
Now trialing a few other vehicles
http://www.colacambulance.com/2005-Ford-Territory-a.jpg

Cheers Darwin

I guess everyone's more likely to have problems when changing to a new car - all the controls are in different places, the vehicle might be a different size, etc. Add to that the fact that you're supposed to drive like formula one drivers in Monaco... accidents are bound to happen.
By the way, a while back you posted a piece on music. What did you choose in the end?

The HEMS doctors use subarus, and 4wd volvo estates were their previous offerings.

The entire current Subaru line are amazing cars; our family has had 5 in a row now, never taken one into the shop; my current hand me down has 110k miles on it. The AWD is one of the best out there short of an Audi, and with the low center of gravity, you can slalom ditched SUVs through any winter storm...they used to be very slow, though, I believe that was fixed ca. 2002.

Here's a question, though, one of the things I've been most impressed about the LAS is their non-emergency transport service; it seemd like a great way to unload some of this cough-and-cold BS from real EMS; I gather it's underused? If so, why? Liability concerns?

Not actually related to this post but a question for Tom.

Just when do you call an ambulance ? A friends mother (in her 70's) has obviously got something going on with her ticker. Might be SVT or just a lot of ectopics possibly an arrythmia of some sort as she complains more of a thumping in the chest. Now my question doesn't relate to diagnosis more to use of NHS services.

She's had an ECG and a 24hr tape - neither of which has spotted anything as it's intermittent. Problem is - last time she was "bad" she could hardly get up. My suggestion if that happens again is to either get taken to A&E pronto so they can slap some electrodes on while something is happening , or , perhaps more contrevertially(?) call 999 so the ambulance crew can do the same and if needed take her to hospital. My thoughts are if it's that bad she should be getting seen quickly in case it becomes a crisis. She's one of those people that doesn't like to cause a fuss so I'm interested in the views of a p-m. Last time she called NHS direct who were of some use but basically said - go to your GP , who of course said go to the hospital by which point 48hrs had elapsed.

I would say that as soon as she gets an arrythmia, or chest pain that she immediately calls an ambulance. Anything to do with the heart can be potentially naughty. At the end of the day it's an easy job for the ambulance crew, and could well be saving her life.

Also, getting an early ECG might help in a diagnosis of her problem.

Thanks Tom - pretty much what I thought (and said to her).

Have a good NY and all the best in 2006...