Last week, Guernsey hosted the annual “Islands Ambulance Service Forum”. The two-day face-to face event was led by Mark Mapp CEO of Ambulance and Rescue Guernsey, which operates the ambulance services in the British Crown Dependencies of Guernsey and Alderney. Mark Mapp said the event was considered a resounding success with robust attendance from various stakeholders.
The Islands Ambulance Service Forum, a significant platform for collaboration and learning which is by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE). The group convenes virtually throughout the year and come together for an annual face-to-face meeting. The forum is made up of the heads of ambulance services in Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight and Gibraltar.
Mark Mapp said: “It is crucial to discuss shared challenges, potential opportunities, and pressing issues across the islands’ ambulance services. Despite each island having unique characteristics, the forum underscores the commonalities and challenges, fostering collaborative discussions and collective strategic thinking.”
During the two days the group visited the smaller Isle of Sark, home to a purely volunteer based ambulance service, which operates a tractor-drawn ambulance trailer. The visit highlighted the challenges faced in smaller and more remote communities. Attendees also experienced a tour of the Guernsey Marine Ambulance launch “Flying Christine III”, showing the diverse nature of emergency medical services across the islands of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
During the event, Suzanne Rastrick OBE, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for England, provided an insightful update on critical topics, including the Allied Health Professions (AHPs) Strategy for England, paramedic education, regulation, career development, the prevention of suicide in the ambulance service, and a culture review of English Ambulance Services.
Hilary Pillin, UEC Strategy Advisor, played a pivotal role in the event by delivering presentations on a number of crucial topics. These included AACE’s submission to the Darzi Review, national structures, the culture review, improving sexual safety, and leadership development within the ambulance services.
Tom Davidson, Associate Professor of Paramedicine from the University of Cumbria, shared the latest developments in paramedic education. As the island communities have many paramedics who have undertaken their academic studies with the University of Cumbria, one of the main discussion points revolved around achieving a standardised approach to ambulance service education.
Mark Mapp added: “This annual face-to-face meeting was essential in reinforcing the collaborative spirit across the islands. Attendees left the forum equipped with new insights, strategies, and a renewed commitment to addressing the unique and shared challenges faced by ambulance services across the British islands.”
