Urgent action needed to get First Responders system back on track

Local MP Tim Farron is calling for urgent action to be taken to solve problems with the First Responders system in the Langdale valley. In recent months, since the installation of a new computer call-out system in Carlisle, First Responders from Ambleside and Coniston have been called to incidents in the Langdale valley when there are volunteers who are much closer to the incident who have not been called out.

The Langdale team have been told that the new computer system, installed in the run-up to regionalisation of the ambulance service, does not have enough space to hold details of all of the volunteers in Cumbria. Several of the Langdale volunteers, who have been pressing the Ambulance Service to take action, are now threatening to resign if the situation isn't sorted out soon.

Tim said: "First Responders volunteers do a fantastic job for our local community, saving many lives in areas which are some distance from an ambulance station.

"It is astounding that Cumbria Ambulance Service have let a situation continue which could put people's lives at risk - apparently just because their new computer system can't cope.

"I have called on the Chief Executive to get the system back on track as soon as possible, and written to the Health Secretary in Westminster to let her know about one of the effects of ambulance service mergers."