Extended training of ambulance staff

The objective of this paper is to cost the schemes currently in operation. The costs have been calculated on a real resource basis (with the exception of the loss of leisure time voluntarily surrended by ambulance staff, instructors, nurses and clinicians, although the effects of this omission are set out in Section C). This means that certain elements of the schemes have been costed (e.g. cardiac monitors/defibrillators) although, because equipment is often donated it is rarely at present charge on the ambulance service budget or the public sector account generally.