Future perspectives for the UK Ambulance Services Evolution Rather than Revolution

The future of ambulance services raises important issues about the nature of prehospital care and the changing societal-cultural context. Talking of future service delivery models of engagement must involve an open and honest debate about the true nature, purpose and role of the ambulance services. There are two core functions of the ambulance services currently- a means of supported transport of patients in the community and a responsive and professional outreaching emergency diagnosis and management service. Some form of reactive service, able to respond immediately to the perception of a health emergency will always be required. We foresee that while these functions will still be integral in the future pre-hospital care models, what is likely to change is the means of delivery and the professionals that deliver the service. But this transformational journey for the ambulance services to be a fit-for-purpose organisation for the 21st century is going to be evolutionary rather than by revolution or jettisoning what we currently have. It essentially centres on 3Ss- structure, skills and science.