Ambulance ambassador for BME elders

2008 Conference

Many ethnic minority elders are unsure when to contact emergency health services and anxious about what will happen if they dial 999. This means that sometimes the ambulance is called too late.

Community groups have said that they want to know more about the early signs of life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, stroke and hypothermia. They want to understand what happens when they dial 999, and they want to be reassured that the Ambulance staff will treat them with dignity and respect.

In this presentation people will learn about a special “Ambassador” post that has been established within the Ambulance Trust to work specifically with African, Caribbean and Asian elders. They will learn how the Trust has built its relationship and understanding of the health needs of these elders, and enhanced their effective use of 999 and patient transport services.