My Freedom

Having worked 22 years for the NHS i had bought pretty sensible cars
Fun as well but still sensible
Enjoyed driving them and endeavoured not to do anything too daft whilst out and about
Now, i am having fun in a slightly less sensible but still not silly motor
I am being penalised left, right and centre.
Penalised for being a motorist and penalised for working in the public sector and for living in a rural area.
Whilst i appreciate the need for belt-tightening i am still p*ssed off that most of my pay-rises have, to use a political term, in real terms had pay decreases
Fkg angry - dismayed - aghast - bemused
Sod it!
She's my freedom and i will drive her
Oh and when out and about i will urinate in public.(behind trees, bushes, my wee motor)
You will not charge me for whatever offence when you are closing public conveniences all over the place.
You can not charge in one breath but fail to provide in the other

Three cheers to the peaceful protest marchers at the w/e
Yaboosucks to the vandals* - and those who threw bottles and sprayed graffiti


* for vandals read government.
People who wreck society
Done




^^^ in whom i still retain a sense of freedom

On Thin Ice

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/7769953.stm
takes you to the media view of what happened when an ambulance was conveying an already very sick child from Preston to Leeds
This always makes my stomach somersault. I feel sick and this time is no different.
We'll turn out to all manner of bumps and prangs but seeing one of your own type as i see this one makes me feel distinctly uncomfortable.
My hopes and thoughts go out to all involved.
For those inside and those who turned out to attend this incident.

Looking from a crew member perspective i hope that the crew involved have all the help they need. That they are not pre-judged as is so easy to do. That management explore what has happened with a sympathetic, empathetic and understanding heart.

thank you to the bbc for this pic.

I also hope that the services across the UK look even more closely at crew safety.
The fact that we have to stand to do anything indicates that we are using vehicles that are too big.
By rights, we should be able to do emergency work within the confines of something no or little bigger than a Renault Espace/ Ford Galaxy.
They allow some height for forward vision but also afford less chance of turning over in the event of a slippery incident. The attendant can remain sat and find kit within easy reach and be safe.
they're also alot more comfortable than vehicles in the light goods sector.
Mercedes make great cars that are very comfortable. Mercedes make great lorries that are very comfortable but the LGV sector is forgotten. Not just by Mercedes but VW, Renault, Ford etc etc. They are perceived as moving merchandise over comparitively short distances.
Lorries may be carrying loads but they travel significant distances so the driver must feel comfortable for as along as possible. Cars need to appeal to everyone else so they, too, have a better ride.

If we must continue to use LGVs for ambulances then the companies must look at improving suspension and general ride comfort... and stability.
It wouldn't go amiss if councils were more aware of the state of their roads and actively did something positive to rectify the bumpiness that is in existence all over the UK.

The other knock-on effect of bad roads is the damage done to vehicles. We regularly have suspension and bearing issues as the front wheels (usually the nearside) drop into potholes. The rest of the weight of the vehicle follows and creates further damage - to say nothing about playing rock n roll on some poor spinal case perched on a long board after parting company with their 1000cc machine on a marble-laden corner in mid Wales.
Helicopters are not always available and air ambulances.

The ambulance service is just that. The National Health Service is just that. Whilst each require a business plan of some description it should not be forgotten that the NHS and it's various departments is...... a service.
It is the biggest money pit but if this country truly wants the best healthcare system in the world then money does have to be put in. And a few more indians and a few less chiefs wouldn't go amiss.

Again, my thoughts go to all involved with the accident.