MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
Obviously I've seen them providing medical support at events over the years, but today I saw one haring down the road with the blues and twos going.
Are they being used to support the "regular" ambulance crews at the moment? Do they normally have the power to use blue lights?
Just curious and not having any sort of pop at them - I think their volunteers provide a fantastic service and must keep a lot of events going who need medical cover.
They now provide frontline paramedic services to many NHS trusts, quite beyond the village fair days. Quite often they will bid for specific NHS contracts as well as providing 'regular' services.
Do they normally have the power to use blue lights?
Far as I'm aware there's no 'powers' involved with blues and twos, they don't get any extra privileges. They still have to obey the regular rules of the road. @drac ?
They still have to obey the regular rules of the road
I thought they were able to break the rules but would be liable in the event of an accident. IAND (I Am Not Drac).
It was St John's that whisked me off to hospital the one and only time I've been, two years ago, pretty professional, apart from the lettering on the van I wouldn't have known any difference.
Emergency services using lights and sirens can claim a variety of exemptions from road traffic law, including speed limits, but there are also several 'non-exemptions'- crossing a solid white line except in specific circumstances, careless or dangerous driving, careless parking etc. Displaying blue lights and sounding sirens is an exemption in itself. St John's are contracted by the nhs in many areas, and will be able to claim exemptions with appropriately trained personnel.
Thanks folks, you've clarified it nicely.