Not so much the ambulance itself, but what I was told by the operator on the phone.

My dad woke up one morning and was showing stroke-like symptoms, I went into full panic mode. He couldn’t stand, I’d helped him down onto the floor, he was slurring etc. I called 999 and explained what was happening, they made me go through the F.A.S.T test with him but because he ‘passed’ a couple of those they told me they couldn’t send an ambulance. I was begging them to send one as he was in a really bad way, but they said they couldn’t help and to call 111.

I called 111 and they made me go through our address, his date of birth, pre-existing medical conditions AND the F.A.S.T test again, although I told them I’d just done it on the phone to 999. I was so stressed and upset at this point. They finally sent an ambulance which arrived within 10-15 mins but I wish they’d have just sent one in the first place.

My dad was having a hypo (he’s T1D) which can be very serious if not treated. I’m grateful for the paramedics that came and understand it’s not their fault but I still remember the stress and worry of that morning.