My first experience of Five Live, and judging by the performance of the debate chairman, I'm afraid it'll be the last. The attitude shown by Stephen Nolan was nothing short of offensive, questioning the committment of professionals who face a greater degree of personal risk on a daily basis than most people would expect to deal with in their lifetime. It's unfortunate that none of the participants were able to represent the Ambulance Control role. The question asked concerned balance of risk, and risk is all about assessment of information. In situations such as this, much, most or even all of the available information is taken during the 999 call. In any 'assault' call - especially where a patient is seriously injured and a 'stand off' instruction is likely - efforts are always made to realistically assess the safety of the scene for responders. Along with information gained from family or others present, this is key to the dynamic risk assessment made when deciding whether to move in. The ridicule by Mr Nolan of this risk assessment belittles the efforts made by both call takers and responders to deliver an effective response, safely, to the patient. It also encourages resentment by the public to the questions asked during the 999 call which are often percieved as delaying the arrival of an ambulance. In fact, full and credible-sounding answers to scene safety questions will often avioid the kind of stand-off which tragically resulted in the loss of a young man's life. This programme has not helped the situation at all. Mike - 999 call taker.