Tom, my service has been using 'private' ambulance companies, and the good 'ol Johnners, to 'assist' in meeting our 999 obligations for a number of years now. Most GP urgents are now covered by 1 of 2 large private firms in our county and increasingly they're backing up FRVs and solos on B and C cat calls. In fact quite a number of frontline staff have secondary employment with these firms. I was saying about 7 years ago, when our management were looking to 'sell-off' many smaller stations and create big depots, that there seemed to be no obvious reason why a private contractor couldn't bid for the whole 999 contract; unless there's some legislation baring it. However, with the advent of foundation trusts, which are in effect private companies, that in effect is what will happen. Then ACME Medical from the USA can do a hostile take-over and we'll all be driving around in Chevy trucks. P.S. glad to read that you're feeling better.