Appeal for more Emergency Responders

In February 2012 a meeting at Holyrood with Nicola Sturgeon, then the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, brought to an end a bruising 14-month long dispute over the provision of emergency medical services for western Ardnamurchan. The Scottish Ambulance Service agreed to train at least six Emergency Responders to be on call 24/7.

Since then, the most that have ever been available has been four, and the numbers are now down to two, with both now shouldering far more responsibility and hugely more hours than they were ever expected to.

Following agreement with the West Ardnamurchan Community Council and firm assurances from the Scottish Ambulance Service, it has now been agreed that previous medical experience will be "desirable but not essential" for any future applicants. The SAS is confident that, given enthusiastic and willing recruits, it can train them to the required level.

Anyone who is interested can direct informal enquiries to Alan Knox, Area Services Manager for the SAS, at 0141 810 6925 or aknox@nhs.net. Closing date for applications is 17th February.