Welsh Ambulance Service Introduces New ‘Purple’ Code for 999 Calls Handling
In a significant move, the Welsh Ambulance Service has announced a major change in how 999 emergency calls will be handled. The current system categorises the most serious calls as ‘red’ calls, but a new ‘purple’ category is being introduced specifically for individuals experiencing cardiac or respiratory arrest. This decision follows a recommendation from the Senedd’s health committee in August 2024 to review the handling of ‘red calls’. The new ‘purple’ code will focus on life-or-death situations involving cardiac and respiratory arrests and will undergo a trial period starting from July 1 for 12 months.
Currently, ‘red’ calls encompass situations that are immediately life-threatening, such as cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, choking, major haemorrhage, or breathing difficulties, with an eight-minute response time target. By introducing the ‘purple’ category and providing more tailored care for cardiac and respiratory arrest cases, the ambulance service aims to enhance overall efficiency, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, and improve treatment timelines. As part of the trial, when a 999 caller reports breathing problems, instead of automatic categorisation as ‘red’, the case will be reviewed by a senior clinician for a more personalised response.
The implementation of the purple call trial includes options like video consultations, accessing patient records during the call, or deploying local volunteer responders to provide observations before a final decision is made. This approach aims to ensure that resources are allocated more effectively, preventing non-urgent cases from diverting ambulances away from critical situations such as stroke emergencies. By prioritising cardiac and respiratory arrest cases appropriately, the ambulance service anticipates better outcomes for patients and a more streamlined response process.
In setting new targets for ‘purple’ calls, the focus will shift from response times to patient outcomes. Key objectives include improving the percentage of individuals arriving at the hospital with a restored heartbeat after cardiac arrest and implementing standards for bystander CPR delivery, defibrillation timeframes, and ambulance response times. Both ‘red’ and ‘purple’ calls will aim to achieve a median response time of six to eight minutes, with 90% of cases receiving a response within 20 minutes. This updated approach aims to evaluate success based on patient survival and recovery rather than solely response time metrics.
The Welsh Government emphasises that these changes in response targets are crucial for individuals in immediately life-threatening situations, ensuring that resources are optimally utilised to save lives. By refining the triage process and introducing a dedicated category for cardiac and respiratory arrests, the Welsh Ambulance Service is taking proactive steps to enhance emergency care delivery across the region. The success of the ‘purple’ code trial will be closely monitored, with a focus on achieving better outcomes for patients facing critical health crises. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving initiative.