Numbers of paramedics increasing

The number of ambulances equipped with paramedics in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire is increasing, new figures obtained by the BBC show.

A BBC Freedom of Information request to the East of England Ambulance Service found that in 2005, 71% of all frontline ambulances had paramedics.

In 2006, 74% of ambulances carried paramedics, while in 2007, to date, 77% had paramedics on board.

The Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel welcomed the news.

'More skilled'

Jonathan Fox, a spokesman for the Association, said: "It is good news. It is to be applauded. I think it is better, if funding is available, to have more paramedics."

He said it was important not to forget that ambulance technicians are also well trained to deal with medical emergencies.

"Technicians are now more skilled than they have ever been," he said.

The main difference between paramedics and technicians is that paramedics are registered with the Health Professions Council and can administer fluid replacement and advanced cardiac drugs.