Emergency Services: Paramedics

Baroness Masham of Ilton Excerpts

Wednesday 15th May 2013 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

The noble Lord is quite right that certain areas of the country have seen unacceptable delays in ambulance response times—I am aware of two trusts in that regard. However, this is not an issue around a lack of trained paramedics. Projections by the Centre for Workforce Intelligence show that there is a secure supply of paramedics until 2016. The College of Paramedics has stated that training posts on courses are always filled and, currently, 900 ambulance technicians are training to become paramedics. We are seeing an increase in paramedic numbers, which is encouraging.

[Baroness Masham of Ilton]

My Lords, does the noble Earl agree that first aid ought to be taught in all schools mandatorily, so that as many people as possible in the community can learn first aid, help when there is an emergency and save lives?

[Earl Howe]

I agree with the general thesis that the noble Baroness has advanced. As many people as possible should know first aid. That is how we will ensure that we can save more lives, particularly among those who suffer heart attacks in public places.