This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/6440073.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Fire engine use 'risking lives' Fire engine use 'risking lives'
(about 9 hours later)
Lives are at being put at risk because fire crews are sometimes used when no ambulances are available, according to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).Lives are at being put at risk because fire crews are sometimes used when no ambulances are available, according to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).
Mike Smith, the FBU's executive council member for Wales, estimated it had happened on around 90 occasions in south Wales over the past 12 months.Mike Smith, the FBU's executive council member for Wales, estimated it had happened on around 90 occasions in south Wales over the past 12 months.
He told BBC Wales' Eye on Wales that one day somebody was "going to die".He told BBC Wales' Eye on Wales that one day somebody was "going to die".
But the head of the Welsh Ambulance Service said he was confident its performance was already improving.But the head of the Welsh Ambulance Service said he was confident its performance was already improving.
Fire engines are not the only emergency vehicle sometimes used as substitute ambulances, the programme found.Fire engines are not the only emergency vehicle sometimes used as substitute ambulances, the programme found.
When someone needs an ambulance they don't want a fire engine or police car Alan Murray, chief executiveWhen someone needs an ambulance they don't want a fire engine or police car Alan Murray, chief executive
During a two month period last summer, the South Wales Police Federation identified 57 incidents when officers had difficulty getting an ambulance to the scene.During a two month period last summer, the South Wales Police Federation identified 57 incidents when officers had difficulty getting an ambulance to the scene.
And on 25 occasions the police ending up taking people to Accident and Emergency.And on 25 occasions the police ending up taking people to Accident and Emergency.
In February, a man stabbed outside a Maesteg pub was taken to hospital in a fire engine because the area's three ambulances were busy.In February, a man stabbed outside a Maesteg pub was taken to hospital in a fire engine because the area's three ambulances were busy.
Mr Smith said instances of fire engines being used were too frequent.Mr Smith said instances of fire engines being used were too frequent.
"It is a huge, huge problem. I think that somebody is going to die one day," he warned."It is a huge, huge problem. I think that somebody is going to die one day," he warned.
"They're either going to die because the medical intervention is not there or somebody's going to die because the fire appliance is actually doing something it shouldn't be.""They're either going to die because the medical intervention is not there or somebody's going to die because the fire appliance is actually doing something it shouldn't be."
Emergency callsEmergency calls
The Welsh Ambulance Trust has been beset by problems in recent times, with two changes in the post of chief executive over the last 10 months and AMs voting for a public inquiry.The Welsh Ambulance Trust has been beset by problems in recent times, with two changes in the post of chief executive over the last 10 months and AMs voting for a public inquiry.
Last week its performance was branded "appalling" and "unacceptable" in a report by an all-party committee of AMs.Last week its performance was branded "appalling" and "unacceptable" in a report by an all-party committee of AMs.
However, recent figures showed an improvement in the number of ambulances reaching emergency calls within the eight minute target time, although the figure was still below the 60% bar set by the Welsh Assembly Government.However, recent figures showed an improvement in the number of ambulances reaching emergency calls within the eight minute target time, although the figure was still below the 60% bar set by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust Chief Executive Alan Murray said he had no doubt that his crews would achieve the 60% target by March 2008.Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust Chief Executive Alan Murray said he had no doubt that his crews would achieve the 60% target by March 2008.
ForbearanceForbearance
Mr Murray acknowledged in the past performance had not been up to scratch.Mr Murray acknowledged in the past performance had not been up to scratch.
"When someone needs an ambulance they don't want a fire engine or police car - and that's absolutely right."When someone needs an ambulance they don't want a fire engine or police car - and that's absolutely right.
"I've spoken to my fire and police colleagues to thank them."I've spoken to my fire and police colleagues to thank them.
"We've been explaining the situation to them so that they understand the need for a bit more forbearance until we get this right.""We've been explaining the situation to them so that they understand the need for a bit more forbearance until we get this right."
Eye on Wales is on BBC Radio Wales at 1800 GMT on Monday 11 March. Eye on Wales is on BBC Radio Wales at 1800 GMT on Monday 12 March.