FOI 25-445 On-Call Cover in Gairloch
Freedom of Information Request
- Reference
- FOI 25-445 On-Call Cover in Gairloch
- Request Date
- 08 Oct 2025
- Response Date
- 03 Nov 2025
- Information Requested
Information required: In the last three years, what dates did Gairloch not have a local ambulance service on call and what area team covered the lack of local service
- Response
Between November 2022 and October 2025, there were 2 days where no on-call cover was available from the Gairloch station crew.
During the on-call period (2000–0800), there are occasions where shift coverage may be reduced for various operational reasons. These include crew fatigue, vehicle cleaning, scheduled maintenance, or other service-related factors. While full coverage is always the goal, there are times when both crew members may be off shift, resulting in partial availability.
Important Information to Consider
The Scottish Ambulance Service operates as a national service, and ambulance vehicles are routinely deployed beyond their designated base locations in response to operational demand. In circumstances where the locally based ambulance is deployed elsewhere or unavailable, the nearest available resource is dispatched to respond to emergency calls. This may include units from neighbouring areas or, where clinically appropriate, the use of air ambulance services.
