Turf war between ambulance services

Battle lines are being drawn between two rival ambulance services with St John warning lives could be lost.

The turf war has erupted between St John and New Zealand's largest independently-owned ambulance service, Medic One.

The service, which provides mostly first aid training and medical support at sports events, is gaining a profile in Rotorua after paramedic Ivan Lammas was appointed Medic One's area manager for the Central North Island.

Medic One's presence has upset Rotorua St John and the Rotorua Fire Service, who are concerned Mamaku residents may be confused over who they should call in an emergency.

By not calling 111 first, St John staff said it could create unnecessary delays for patients and ultimately, could cost someone's life.

Medic One insists it encourages people to call 111. It says it is not an emergency service but if called, would provide medical support. Medic One has denied claims it has been "touting" for business in Mamaku.

Most Mamaku residents said they would always call 111 for medical help.

Mamaku, about 20 minutes north of Rotorua, has traditionally been serviced by St John and the Mamaku Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Half of the brigade's 10 volunteers have been trained by Rotorua St John paramedic Rob Andrews to provide help in an emergency.

They carry with them a defibrillator in case they need to shock a weakened heart and various medical supplies to stabilise a patient. St John staff take over when they arrive and take the patient to hospital if necessary.

Rotorua St John area manager Rob Gardiner said the system worked well and ensured trained professionals responded in a matter of minutes.

"Our concern (about Medic One) is that there's no guarantee people will be there when they want them," he said.

"The worst case scenario is that people will ring them and no one will be available ... That could lead to loss of life."

Mr Lammas used to work for St John and applied for the job with Medic One when it was seeking a manager for the Central North Island.

He and his wife Sharon said they encouraged residents to call 111 as Medic One focused on providing medical support at sports events and first aid training. They said they did not promote Medic One's 0800 number which, when rung, was answered by staff at the company's New Plymouth headquarters.

Medic One also operates in Hamilton, Auckland, Palmerston North and New Plymouth.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)