Surprise expressed at Ambulance Service laying blame

3.54.36pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 4th Jul 2006

Local MP Tim Farron has expressed surprise at Cumbria Ambulance Service's apparent decision to blame local First Responders for the issues with the service in the Langdale area.

The First Responders group have found the recent comments from the Ambulance Service that the problems have been the volunteers' fault both insulting and patronising.

Tim said: "The First Responders group in Langdale are rightly very angry that the Ambulance Service's press office has laid the blame for the recent problems at the volunteers' door. The Ambulance Service's actions are even more surprising given the response of their Acting Chief Executive who admitted that there had indeed been some problems with the service.

"The Langdale volunteers provide a vital link in the chain when someone has a heart attack or stroke - they should be commended for their commitment to their local community, not blamed like this.

"There are also still some issues with the way the Ambulance Service alert First Responders to call-outs. Instead of laying blame, the Ambulance Service should get on with making sure the service works properly every time."