MSP’S fears as 999 call-outs to homeless plummet

Ambulance call-outs to homeless people have more than halved, prompting fears over emergency support services.

Ayrshire & Arran had 119 ambulance call-outs to homeless people in 2018, dropping to just 48 last year. Glasgow dropped from 1,027 to 801, and Lothian dropped from 555 to 484.

Scottish Conservative Shadow Community Justice Secretary Miles Briggs has taken up the issue after revealing he desperately tried to save a homeless man’s life while arguing with Scottish Ambulance Service call handlers over whether they would send emergency help.

The MSP went to assist the man who had been begging in the centre of a Edinburgh in August. He said: “The man had collapsed and looked pale and lifeless. Myself and a member of the public tried to help, and of course I called an ambulance.

“I was told that unless I guaranteed he would get into the ambulance or a I’d accompany him, they weren’t going to send.”

A passing nurse eventually managed to revive the man.

Briggs said: “I dread to think what would have happened had she not been there. We must ensure this very vulnerable group have full access to all medical services.”

Shelter Scotland’s Gordon Macrae said: “If discriminatory practices are being used in this way we need to understand why and address it.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service, referring to the MSP’S concerns, said: “We have no record of this incident. When patients call 999, they are initially triaged based on clinical need.

“We do not change our clinical response based on social factors such as homelessness, or discriminate in any way against people affected by homelessness. We have a dedicated Public Protection Policy in place, a support team and dedicated referral pathways to help us signpost vulnerable people to appropriate support.”