Essex Ambulance Service cuts cause Essex Police to step in

Essex Police service are being used like ambulances as a man, who had suffered a severe cut to his head, was taken to Basildon hospital by police officers.

The incident happened in Whitmore Way, Basildon, at about 2.25pm on Sunday, resulting in the man bleeding profusely. Ambulances were reportedly contacted a number of times but there were not any available.

There are believed to be a number of cases similar, where Essex police have had to cover for the ambulance service.

A similar scene took place later on the same day in Beech Road, Pitsea, at 5:45pm. Ambulances were not able to respond to a call from the public, therefore police officers took the wounded boys themselves.

There have been a number of reports from Basildon Council warning that cuts to the Essex Ambulance service will be enforced from October. The cuts, however, seem to have already taken place as Essex Police have had to cover for the reduced ambulance services provided.

Seriously ill patients who require a rapid response from the ambulance service will face delays after calling for the emergency service. The cuts in Basildon will see three 24-hours a day ambulance services cut down to one. The other two will become part-time services.

This is just one of many cuts that Basildon Council has implemented in an attempt to save millions of pounds in the current climate.