Ambulance service encourages subscription sign-up

Mark Mapp says one in four call-outs in the last year did not have ambulance cover

More than a quarter of people who used the Guernsey ambulance service last year did not have subscription cover to employ the service, bosses say.

With up to 10,000 call-outs annually, the Ambulance and Rescue Service said it was urging residents to consider an ambulance subscription. With ambulances costing about upwards of £550 per call-out, the subscription could be a more cost-effective option, bosses said.

The current cost of an annual subscription to the service in Guernsey is £71 per adult a year and £33 per child, covering subscribers for emergency ambulance and transfer services.

Chief ambulance officer Mark Mapp said it could prevent "bill shock" if the service was needed.

Mr Mapp said: "It's the odd position of asking you to pay for a service you hope never to use. We hope you don't need to use us either.

"But, if you do, it's far better for your wallet that this subscription is one you've taken out."

The ambulance service is provided on behalf of the States of Guernsey through a grant from the Committee for Health and Social Care.

Its operator, St John, as a charity, has to make up the remainder of the costs through the subscription scheme or charges.

The subscription rates were reviewed every year by the service for its budget, bosses said.