"Something" has to be on scene to a life threatening call in 8 minutes. Hence the trend towards more RRVs. ...and community responders. I'm more cynical than you I'm afraid - I foresee the targets staying the same but outside firms being brought in to 'save' failing trusts (as is being proposed for hospitals) - this then becomes the thin end of the wedge of privatisation. There are plenty of private firms doing patient transport in blue light ambulances, it's only a matter of time until they start handling A&E work.