Hi Tom, I read you a lot, but this is the first time I'm writing. I think it must be very difficult to constantly pour your thoughts and ideas, your hopes and fears into this blog, knowing that what you say accurately reflects your experience of what is happening in your line of work. It's easy to see that you really believe that what you are doing is important, but that very few others seem to understand the pitfalls and barriers placed in the way of you doing your job properly. It might feel that you are screaming and not being heard, but I can assure you that this is not the case. The way you write makes it easy for others to see your point of view and to understand aspects of your work they might never have considered. While I no longer live in London, I would hope I am a more respectful and informed user of ambulance services as a result of your writing. I know it's a small thing, but it is often through smalll changes that large victories are achieved. Don't lose heart, please. The world, and the ambulance service, needs more people like you, not a person less. I'll now go back to lurking and learning. Be well. Maybe drop into a tanning booth for some vitamin D if you can ever find the time - London is so dreary in winter. Best wishes, J