What target time is set by the Scottish Ambulance service for (a) arriving at the scene of a call-out and (b) delivering a patient to hospi…

In responding to emergency 999 calls the Scottish Ambulance Service aims to meet national response times targets for getting an ambulance to the scene of the call-out. These vary according to population density and are as follows:High Density
- 95% reached within 14 minutes, 50% within seven minutesMedium Density
- 95% reached within 18 minutes, 50% within eight minutesSparse Density
- 95% reached within 21 minutes, 50% within eight minutesThe performance of the Scottish Ambulance Service in relation to these targets is reported in the service's annual report. A copy of the report for 1999-2000 was sent to each MSP.Once at the scene of a call-out, ambulance paramedic staff will use their judgement to decide what course of action is required, depending on the medical condition of the patient. In some cases, treatment at the scene will be appropriate, and in others the patient's needs will best be served by moving them to hospital as quickly as possible. There is therefore no set target time for delivering the patient to hospital.