There may be situations where a person with an assistance dog may need emergency transport or outpatient treatment. And so in June 2020, we co-designed an initial guidance on transporting assistance dogs working in conjunction with Guide Dogs UK. It covered ambulance transportation on both our urgent and emergency care and patient transport services.

We have recently reviewed and refreshed this guidance in conjunction with the Ambulance Association Chief Executives (AACE) Assistance Dog Project PAWS guiding principles. It is available to all our staff to help ensure not only our patients, but also their assistance dogs are safely secured in our vehicles.

The guidance emphasises, wherever possible, we should take the assistance dog with the patient unless there are exceptional circumstances. It also explores who to contact in the event of an emergency situation to look after the dog.

Head of Operations for PTS Sam Molloy says, “Ensuring the safe transport of assistance dogs is vital for the well-being of patients. These loyal companions provide not just support, but also Independence and comfort during challenging times. We are pleased to say our recently reviewed guidance ensures inclusive prioritisation of patients with assistance dogs in emergency and non-emergency ambulance settings.”

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