Cyclist paramedics have been withdrawn from three Yorkshire cities following a review of services.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said it was suspending the use of cycling paramedics in Sheffield, Leeds and Hull with staff returning to ambulance and rapid response vehicles.
The use of bicycles was seen as a way of getting paramedics to emergencies in pedestrianised or built-up areas which might otherwise be difficult to reach quickly. The ambulance service has not ruled out their return and the service will remain in York and Harrogate for the time being.
Vince Larvin, Assistant Director of A&E Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: ‘We are currently operating additional rapid response vehicles in the cities instead of the cycle response units to help us meet current demand more closely and ensure our patients receive the best possible care. “The decision to take these resources out of operation is not a permanent one and shifts in patient demand will see them return as appropriate.’
The Lifecycle service was first introduced in York 10 years ago before being extended to Sheffield, Hull and Leeds. The scheme was launched in Harrogate only three months ago.
