SIR,

Over the past few months there have been a number of articles and letters published in the Beacon regarding the Ambulance Service in the Monmouth area and its response time to emergencies, a matter of concern to all.

I, therefore, felt that I should write giving the other side of events - in praise of the service.

At around 9am on Saturday, October 18th, my wife was taken seriously ill with breathing problems.

I called the ambulance service and within five or six minutes, the fast response paramedic arrived, with the ambulance arriving a few minutes later.

I would also mention that during the whole of the initial period the operator in the control centre was talking to me, asking what was happening and giving guidance.

Whether we were fortunate that there was an ambulance in the area at the time, we do not know, but my wife and I wish to offer our thanks and gratitude for the speed and professionalism of the service and its personnel.

David Waring

(Wyesham)