I WAS really sorry to read about Sam Gibson breaking his wrist in a cycle accident, but I am amazed anyone would think of calling an ambulance when it was possible to get to hospital without one (The Press, July 22).

Surely ambulances must be used according to people most needing one, firstly and most importantly for life-threatening illnesses.

I recently fell in Shambles and broke my hip. I waited for some time for the ambulance to arrive, but obviously they were treating someone else while I was waiting: no problem there, as mine wasn’t life-threatening.

I think it is high time the general public appreciated the Yorkshire Ambulance Service more and realised the extent of the work that these caring people do instead of criticising them.

The people at the end of the phone have to make decisions about who is the most needy case and broken bones are not usually life-threatening.

Marilyn Mead, Firwood Whin, Brockfield Park, Huntington, York.

• ANOTHER complaint re transport to A&E. I am amazed this present generation thinks that having a broken arm warrants an ambulance.

When I was around eight or nine, I fell off my scooter and broke my arm in two places which required surgery. I was taken to hospital on a bus.

As an a adult, I have also suffered similar injuries and have either walked or got a taxi.

I feel for the poor ambulance service who have to contend with genuine life-threatening emergences such as major traffic accidents and heart attack/stroke victims and so forth.

J McDonald, East Parade, York.

• I AM surprised it was thought necessary to call an ambulance for the “walking wounded”.

The priority for ambulances must be for those unable to get themselves to hospital, and in need of swift medical attention. They do a marvellous job and don’t deserve the criticism.

DF Jones, Hopgrove Lane North, York.