Maybe you should come to LGW then....
BAA contribute to the cost of providing dedicated paramedic cover between 0600/0000 here. All the 'Gatwick Solo' staff are free range driver trained, (no escort required), and have unrestricted security clearance. We also many the ambulance based at LGW Mon - Fri 0600 t0 1800 which again reduces the response time as we do not have to wait for escorts. Unfortunately this vehicle is often sent way off into the depths of Surrey and isn't available to the airport..
Of course there will always be a time when there will be more calls than ambulances - blame the NHS funding system for that.
At LGW if 'solo' is unavailable then AFS will always attend even if an ambulance is enroute from off airport. Unfortuntely the failing here is Surrey Ambulance will not mobilise an ambulance until the aircraft is on finals which often means that it isn't on stand to meet the aircraft as it may be some distance away and then has to await a police escort - usually taking longer than the average 10 mins from finals to stand.
Solo's will treat the patient and decide on the best course of action and if necessary mobilise ambulance back up, (in the case of serious/obvious emergencies the ambulance will be mobilised at time of call and may also be in attendance immediately).
Unfortunately despite BAA's and our best efforts certain airlines delay the patient's treatment by either failing to ensure pax are sat down/wait until they are on the ground before requesting medical assistance/pass poor or no details of the emergency/call for idiotic and minor things - possibly delaying the response to a more serious call.
We all work closely with BAA/the airlines and are acutely aware of the customer and commericial pressures on the crews and will do our best to avoid unecessary delays, etc.
Its not a perfect system but works well here at LGW and only funding prevents a 24hr coverage.
Edited to add:
Wino If you feel that strongly that the action of the crew contributed to the patient losing the child or becoming more seriously ill a call or letter to the ambulance service would result in a investigation and hopefully the appropiate action being taken against the crew involved. Ambulance service managers tend to take the side of the public rather than their staff... The system does work - I was in the unfortuate position of having to complain about a crew 2 weeks ago and the matter has resulted in disiplinary action.
It is not usually practical to take a stretcher to the aircraft and often pointless as it won't fit on board. However there is no excuse for not using a carry chair.
Catering trucks are useable but not ideal - many of their drivers will not let you use them. Ambu lifts should be available but the handling agent is responsible for providing them and with the exception of BA who seem to always have one on stand for all emergencies, they often take too long to arrive to be of any use.
Last edited by pilotwolf; 13th Nov 2003 at 13:55.