Wow what are the chances. Not only is Dickens not dead, but he's reading and passing comment on this blog! I think Tom's bosses are well aware of the state of the service, not least because, like the majority of Ambulance managers they've spent a large portion of their working lives out on the road, in times when decent defibs and stab vests and counselling were unheard of. Truth be told the service was in a better state at the start of 05 than it has been for a very long time (if ever) and the current problems are almost entirely the rusult of a pay system that has been forced upon the NHS by central government. In short, if you want an endless supply of ambulances then vote for it, but remember you'll be paying for it in your taxes. Rant over - Tom have a peacful new year - DSO