Swanage resident Ellie Blundell, who fell over hitting her face on the kerb in Swanage High Street, says she is very grateful to the ambulance car paramedic for coming swiftly to her rescue.
As she was walking near Costcutters on the afternoon of Tuesday 23rd March 2021, she tripped and fell across the pavement into the road. Local residents rushed to her aid and called the emergency services.
“Thank God the ambulance car and paramedic got to us in minutes”
Her daughter, Dawn Rogers said:
“A huge thanks to the paramedic and the residents who were all on hand to help my mum.
“I now know from first hand how much we need to keep and support our ambulance car and paramedic. My beautiful mum took a tumble and hit her face on the kerb. Thank God the ambulance car and paramedic got to us in minutes, while the ambulance took 45 minutes to get across to us.”
Now recovering at home
Ellie was badly bruised but after being treated at Poole Hospital, she was discharged and is now recovering at home from her ordeal.
Dawn added:
“This town deserves to have the ambulance car and wonderful paramedic on hand. I really believe it is a must, as often the ambulances are over at Poole Hospital. A heart attack, stroke and many other medical cases wouldn’t have a hope in hell if they take away the ambulance car and paramedic.”
Campaigners say the future of the car is still uncertain
In April 2020, the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) planned to withdraw the Purbeck Paramedic Car but as the coronavirus pandemic struck, it was reprieved. Now the CCG has pledged to engage with stakeholders and the community before any final decision is made.
Campaigners say the future of the car is still uncertain and have launched a poster campaign to let NHS managers know just how much people in Purbeck love their ambulance car. Banners and posters have been appearing in shops and gardens in Swanage, Corfe Castle, Wareham and Worth Matravers.
There’s also a petition that has now received nearly 6,000 signatures.
