Sir,

My admiration for the paramedics in the ambulance service is unbounded. Nothing is too much trouble, obstacles are to be overcome, and all is done with courtesy and kindness.

The problem is to get beyond the trained box-tickers who answer the 999 calls. There is question after question, mostly irrelevant or absurd, whilst the box-ticker gazes into the computer, by which time the patient is exhausted at best or, at worst has sustained further injury.

There is little interest in the carer's information whilst the box-ticker continues with the verbal diatribe before consulting with a colleague who repeats the diatribe.

I make no apology for shouting, or even putting the 'phone down on such people who have never learned to use common sense.

I hope that those who have experienced similar problems will write to:Mr Elwyn Price Morris, chief executive, HM Stanley Hospital; St. Asaphs, Denbighshire, LLI7 ORS.

Doing nothing achieves nothing.

Margaret Howells,