Slow ambulance responce time in England

An article recently published in The Guardian newspaper shows the ambulance response times across England in December were the worst on record. And according to the latest data from the National Health Service (NHS), England is facing slow ambulance response times, with an average response time of 93 minutes for conditions such as strokes, chest pain, and severe burns. Far from the target response time of 18 minutes. The response time for life-threatening patients, including those having a heart attack, was almost 11 minutes, almost for minutes longer than the target response time.

Reasons behind the slow ambulance response time

Several factors contributed to the prolonged response time in England during December, including the COVID-19 pandemic putting extra pressure on the NHS, the flu season, and a lack of social care. Additionally, several strikes by NHS staff, including ambulance workers demanding more pay, better working conditions and staff shortages, contributed to the delays.
 

Cardiac emergency - Importance of speed

In life-threatening situations, speed is of utmost importance. To have a 50 - 70% chance of survival in a cardiac arrest, immediate CPR and defibrillation within 6 minutes are crucial. Every minute that passes reduces the chances of survival by 10%. Hence, access to a defibrillator in case of delayed emergency services is vital. The slow ambulance response time highlights the need for readily available defibrillators. By providing easy access to these life-saving devices, we can make a real difference in emergencies and potentially save lives.