Hounslow pioneers Emergency Care Practitioners

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Innovative new service already a success

An innovative new scheme to improve the NHS response to 999 calls is already proving a success across the borough of Hounslow. 

Emergency Care Practitioners (ECPs) are trained healthcare professionals who are able to respond immediately to the needs of patients dialling 999.

ECPs have been operating in Hounslow since January, as part of a joint initiative between the Hounslow Primary Care Trust, the London Ambulance Service and West Middlesex University Hospital. Hounslow is one of 17 pilot sites across England and one of five in London.

The public launch of the scheme, which took place on Monday 12th September, is aimed at providing more information for the public and the media on how ECPs operate and how they fit in with other health services.

Dr Nicola Burbidge, a local GP who chairs Hounslow PCT’s Professional Executive Committee, said; “Most 999 calls are not life-threatening situations and the use of ECPs is expected to reduce unnecessary A&E attendances. Early evidence is that fewer people are having to be taken to hospital and are instead able to be treated at home or referred to another health service.

“In an emergency situation such as a heart attack, ECPs have the training and the equipment to treat patients at the scene, prior to admission to hospital. What happens in the first few minutes after a heart attack is critical – the sooner a patient is stabilised, the better their chance of survival. ECPs are a positive development, already making a difference in Hounslow.

Adam Crosby, Ambulance Operation Manager for Isleworth, Feltham, Richmond & Twickenham, said: “I am extremely pleased that the Emergency Care Practitioner scheme is working well providing the people within the Hounslow Primary Care Trust area the most appropriate pre-hospital care the NHS is able to provide.

The ECPs are selected from a group of experienced Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technicians who then undergo considerable additional training which enables them to provide effective clinical care to a wide range of patients who have dialled 999. As Dr Burbidge has pointed out not all 999 calls are in fact life threatening emergencies and whilst they may need some expert clinical attention, this is not always most appropriately delivered at the local Accident & Emergency Department.

Not only do the ECPs have an extended range of conditions they can now diagnose and treat, but the integrated work the London Ambulance Service ECPs are doing in partnership with Hounslow Primary Care Trust & West Middlesex University Hospital Acute Trust, enables them to refer patients directly to the most appropriate agency to best deliver the care and attention they need “.

Emergency Care Practitioners are part of the national Right Skill, Right Time, Right Place initiative, designed to ensure that the NHS is responding better to patients’ needs and that patients are able to access care that is timely and appropriate to their needs.

September 13, 2005