Table 4.

Patients' stated reasons for refusing to travel

Reasons given by patients but recorded by crew Themes * (n = 100)	Quotations recorded on the AS34
Patient instigated follow-up 52 (52%)	'Patient preferred to travel to hospital with husband in car' 'Patient to take self to A&E if pains worsens'
	'Patient prefers to see own GP tomorrow' 'Felt isolated episode and did not wish to travel to hospital having recovered'
	'Patient's parent will keep an eye and call back if needed' 'Will call again if side effects later'
Alternative supervision arranged 19 (19%)	'Left in police custody' 'Patient left with care staff' 'Patient put in contact by phone with YMCA outreacher'
Follow-up in place 3 (3%)	'Had bloods taken at hospital in morning re investigation into faints. Did not wish to attend A&E'
	'Patient due on ward for knee operation'
Terminal illness 2 (2%)	'Terminal, wish to remain at home' 'Patient family requested to keep at home. District nurse on scene'
Ambulance used as alternative management 5 (5%)	'Off feet. Family friend rang GP, wouldn't visit told to ring 999'
	'Patient called ambulance just to have old wound dressed'
Social 7 (7%)	'Patient said she had been drinking most of the day and was going to walk home' Patient threatening to 'have crew for assault if touched or forced to go to hospital'
	'Did not want to leave disabled daughter' Doesn't like hospital and has to look after wife'
Other 12 (12%)	'Didn't know why ambulance had been called, became agitated and aggressive' 'Neighbour rang against wishes of the patient'.
	'Does not travel well, going home with partner'