Medics have shamed inconsiderate drivers after an ambulance was delayed while responding to an emergency. A van and car were double parked on a street in Blackheath, West Midlands and prevented an ambulance from getting past.
On Monday, the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) posted a photograph on Twitter after an ambulance had difficulty driving down a street while on call.
The photograph showed an ambulance stopped between a van and a car which had made the road more narrow by parking opposite each other.
A spokesperson for the WMAS said that the ambulance was unable to pass through safely and quickly when second counted, and could mean the difference between life and death.
On Twitter, the WMAS said the picture had been taken by a paramedic on shift who had been delayed while getting to a job.
Alongside the photograph, the WMAS wrote: “In an emergency, every minute counts.
“Please park considerately, as it could be the difference to saving a life.”
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Following an investigation, the Thames Valley Police charged Mr Butler with dangerous driving and obstructing an emergency worker.
He pleaded guilty and was ordered to carry out 20 days of rehabilitation activities, 200 hours of unpaid work over 18 months and was banned from driving for three years.
Mark Ainsworth, director of operations at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said on the incident: “‘The senseless and irresponsible actions undertaken by the defendant put himself, other road users and our ambulance crew at risk of serious injury or even worse.
“Our ambulance crews are highly-trained, able to safely drive at speed when necessary and I’m thankful that the vast majority of other road users are considerate when we need to travel on emergency lights.”
