Ambulance service shows positive improvement to call times

More people are getting the help they need at a faster rate from ambulance paramedics across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

The data was obtained through a Freedom of Information request.

Calls from people with life-threatening illnesses or injuries are known as category 1.

The target for category 1 calls is 7 minutes.

In 2023, the average response time for category 1 calls was 6 minutes 41 seconds, which has improved significantly compared to 2022 which was 8 minutes 20 seconds.

Emergency calls for situations that have the potential to deteriorate like a stroke are known as category 2 rapidly.

The target for Category 2 calls is 18 minutes.

In 2023, the average response time for category 2 calls was 23 minutes 13 seconds, an improvement from 2022 which was 54 minutes 56 seconds.

However, one person had to wait more than 10 hours for a category 2 call.

Figures show that someone had to wait 10 hours and 47 minutes for an ambulance in BCP.

Another shocking figure showed that a Category 1 call for an ambulance took 49 minutes to arrive.

When approached about the data, a spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our people and partners continue to provide dedicated care to patients in Dorset and across the South West.

"We want to be there for everyone that needs us in a medical emergency, but we need your continued support to help us to help you. Please only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, this will ensure we have crews available for patients with the most life-threatening conditions.

"If you need urgent medical help, that isn't life-threatening, please visit NHS 111 online or a community service such as a minor injury unit or a pharmacy.

"We would like to thank our people and NHS colleagues who are working hard to help keep us all safe and well.

“Should you need their support, please be kind to them, they are working hard under huge pressures currently."