Okay, firstly, I know you don't even work for the LAS anymore, but, to me, I guess you've come to represent the common EMT, and I couldn't think of where else to direct this to. It also can be directed at all nursing staff as well.
I've followed your blog religiously as it were (well as much as an Atheist can) for several years now and have always been shocked an embarrassed on behalf of London for some of the insane reasons ambulances are called.



I feel the need to apologise now. Last week, not once, but twice, was an ambulance called, unnecessarily for me.

The first time was because a friend had become worried by my suicidal talk via email, and contacted the local police. As a result, I was awoken by two EMT's and a policeman in my bedroom. I sent them away.

Later that same day, I was with a mental health professional, and a group of other "patients" when they deemed me a danger to myself, and once again, I was faced by two ambulance men (well one, and one woman)

I apologised, I told them how awful I felt, and he did reassure me, saying he was often used as a "big yellow taxi"

At the time I was an emotional disaster, I can only hope I apologised and thanked the staff, but now in the light of it all, I feel an awful sense of guilt.


This blog to me does represent the irritation felt by the LAS towards people like me, and I want to apologise.


Yours Sincerely,

Apologetic moron who got two ambulances pointlessly called for her.

I suspect that the reason an Ambo was called for you were very genuine reasons. I am sure that LAS would rather respond to a call of your nature than a stubbed toe.

As opera nut says, I don't ever recall being annoyed at being sent to someone who has been having mental health issues. They are, after all, just as much a disease as diabetes or asthma.

So, it's no problem. Even if you didn't need a fully stocked ambulance, you still warranted someone other than a simple taxi driver.

VERY glad you haven't abandoned us ;-)

Hope all is well and look forward to reading your comments.

And to xxglitterxx : hope the mist clears soon and you feel better.

I'm pleased by Reynolds reply. Compared to what I have got up to; you really haven't done anything bad. Last year I had a breakdown and did all sorts of wierd and wonderful things. These included overdosing and self harming which i had never done before. The ambulance people (and the hospital) helped me on various occasions and i am sure, probably saved my life more than once. Although it may not seem like it now, things do eventually get better and you have to learn forgive yourself. Hooray for ambulance people!

And nurses!

Hello! would like to say thank you for a great first (and second) read on my shiny new kindle!

Over here in Holland the Ambulance doesn´t come unless your head is falling off and rolling around on the floor.
I called it once for my son who decided that vitamin tablets were sweets... needless to say, I had to cycle to the hospital. He was fine though.

I think you have a fantastic blog and books! It´s a shame I didn´t get to meet you when I grew up in Essex! lol.

Are you subtly implying that you are turning into a butterfly?

Such narcissistic issues won't be tolerated!

8-P

Andrea (now an MD, once upon a time an EMT)
BTW, still available (and I suspect more with your new job rather than with the old one) for advice on HAIs.

Hi Tom, just read about the comedy / drama on channel 4. Was reading the description of it and was thinking of you, then saw it was based on your books. Congratulations!

Are you still pupating???