Hastings County Council is currently considering a proposal that includes a measure regarding lift assist, which occurs when a patient calls paramedic services and requests assistance getting back up after a fall. If passed, Community Response Teams, instead of paramedics, would respond to such calls.
But this is a risky proposal because there are instances where falls might be signs of something more serious requiring the assistance of a paramedic. Community Response Teams aren’t able to determine the seriousness and the cause of a fall. And, if a fall turns out to be serious, these Teams aren’t able to transport patients to hospitals safely.
This is work that only paramedics can and should do. Please join us in calling on Hastings County Council to scrap this proposal and keep this important work in the hands of paramedics.
