FOI 26-146 Patients Unattended
Freedom of Information Request
- Reference
- FOI 26-146 Patients Unattended
- Request Date
- 15 Mar 2026
- Response Date
- 02 Apr 2026
- Information Requested
What is the policy on paramedics leaving patients unattended in an ambulance?
- Response
The Scottish Ambulance Service does not hold a specific standalone policy on paramedics leaving patients unattended in an ambulance. As part of routine clinical practice, patients are not left unattended in an ambulance while the vehicle is en route to hospital and, until formal handover is completed, the patient remains under the clinical care of the attending ambulance crew. As a result, routine practice is to avoid leaving patients unattended, with crews expected to apply dynamic risk assessment in exceptional circumstances.
