American Reacts 5 Ways the U.K. is Better than the USA

👉Original Video: • 5 Ways the U.K. is Bet...
👉Discord: / discord
👉 Patreon: / mcjibbin
☕Buy me a coffee!: www.buymeacoff...
📦P.O. Box info (NOT accepting ANY perishable items)
For any clothing: l'm a Men's size large
McJibbin
P.O. Box 447
Bristol, Rhode Island 02809
USA
Hi everyone! I'm an American from the Northeast (New England). I want to create a watering hole for people who want to discuss, learn and teach about history through KZbin videos which you guys recommend to me through the comment section or over on Discord. Let's be respectful but, just as importantly, not be afraid to question any and everything about historical records in order to give us the most accurate representation of the history of our species and of our planet!
Having a diverse perspective is crucial to what I want to achieve here so please don't hold back! I want to learn about all I can! Keep recommending and PLEAESE join my Discord :) ( / discord )
#american
#mcjibbin
#americanreacts
#reaction
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

[@gaynorhead2325]

Only 4 days ago my husband called an ambulance for me at 5.30 AM because I was having chest pains. Ambulance and 2 lovely paramedics arrived within 25 minutes were with me for an hour running tests then took me 12 miles to hospital. I was there for over 6 hours had multiple ECGs, blood tests , BP, consultation with a Doctor, then an X-ray followed by a CT Scan by which time it was concluded that I had a serious chest infection and sent home with very strong pain killers. Cost to me - zero! NHS may not be perfect but they are there when it matters.

[@dylanmurphy9389]

That’s a lot of faff

[@susandavey2361]

All free though

[@neilsamples]

@@dylanmurphy9389 how can saving someone’s life be faff?

[@lawrenceiow]

Only free at that moment. All that stuff is not free, all your treatment costs were paid for by a bunch of people who work including yourself if you work and your husband if he works.

[@rhiafensom9637]

​@susandavey2361 yes all free on the nhs. Why can people not understand that our health care is free?

[@stuartmccall5474]

Americans just don't have a clue. If you live on a Scottish island and have a heart attack after the ferries have berthed for the night the Air Ambulance Helicopter (like Prince William and East Anglia Air Ambulance) will come for you, or if the local Cottage Hospital can't help you and you need immediate treatment the same thing happens. These helicopters are free and the money to buy and run them comes from a local Community Charity for such. Same for the Mountain Rescue Service. It's called Societal Cohesion and Community where people identify with the "greater good".

[@blundin4165]

Nah, few Americans understand the concept. We're all "Commies" in their minds... 🙄

[@josefschiltz2192]

I get the strong feeling that America goes by inward torsion and struggle and it is hardly surprising that, societally, it is breaking itself apart.

[@theocharisstylianou1822]

Here in country we a percentage of my wages ,a small part goes for my pension a small part goes towards medical,,, Also what is left is unemployment ,It not free the only thing is family coverage no matter how many kids you have they are covered The other thing you have to pay for is your medication ,,, These twatts who voted for Trump who cancelled Medicare,,Enjoy your bankrupt, 😢😢😢

[@ronclark9724]

Actually you pay TAXES for your free universal health care... Socialism at its finest... Most Americans have health insurance that provides emergency services. Like a auto or home insurance there are modest premiums, deductibles, and co-pays... And our taxes in America is considerably lower than what a British person pays... Its been my experience the government is the least efficient provider of services than any private enterprise...

[@Nehemiah_Scudder]

​@@ronclark9724The share of my taxes that goes towards the "socialist" NHS each year is around the same as an American pays for health insurance premiums *each month.* Add to that fact that there is no hospital in the UK that is "out of network" leaving the patient with a huge bill. One thing I don't understand is the word "copay", wjat is a "copay"? I googled the term and apparently it is a flat fee over and above the money you already paid, there is no such thing where I live, just as they don't refuse to treat a "pre-existing condition"

[@candytoo3729]

I have lived in 4 countries with universal healthcare and I have family in the US who can't retire because of hospital bills. As a Canadian I am so appreciative of our system. PROUDLY CANADIAN.

[@junior602002]

Not CANADIAN for long if a certain orange embarrassment gets his way!

[@HelpMeLearn247]

​@@junior602002America is not as strong as you think. As soon as he tries it's over for ameican power

[@ronclark9724]

Surely when they are eligible for Medicare, they will be able to retire. If they were willing to sell their homes and rent instead, they could be eligible for Medicaid, they will be able to retire. If they were stupid and did not pay premiums for health care insurance, then they would be screwed... Just like home and auto owners that DON'T pay premiums for home insurance and for auto insurance...

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

We’re all proudly Canadian right now 😂❤

[@glastonbury4304]

​@junior602002 ...lol...I wouldn't worry, he changes his mind and narrative faster than a kid in a candy store!! 😂

[@paulkemp4559]

What is not said is that UK ambulances come with paramedics so you get immediate life saving care, sometimes they send a bike or a car with a paramedic for even quicker care. There are air ambulances that will attend major incidents these are funded by being charities you don’t pay a penny

[@jemmajames6719]

People are waiting hours for an ambulance if they are lucky, they recently said if you think you have had a stroke or heart attack drive yourself to hospital! Oh right, so you can die at the wheel and kill others, absolutely brilliant! 🤬12 years ago my mother had a stroke and was fitting an ambulance couldn’t come for over an hour, a bike rider came he was really apologetic he felt terrible about it.

[@DJKav]

Ambulances in the UK are pretty much slimmed down mobile operating theatres. They'll stop anywhere, even motorway hard shoulders, if it requires both paramedics to see to the patient.

[@StewedFishProductions]

Connor trying to work out how the cost of the ambulance ride works in the US... Sadly the answer is SIMPLE, it's a BUSINESS that makes a MASSIVE profit ! The American way - NOT Health CARE, just Health BUSINESS !!! Nothing more and nothing less...

[@R0thers]

The reason the nhs loses so much money is because too many people phone an ambulance for non emergency reasons, i think they should charge people for ambulances if its not warranted, then people who really need an ambulance with life threatening circumstances will get an ambulance quicker.

[@catgladwell5684]

​@@R0thersNye Bevan would turn in his grave. I hope no such thing ever happens here.

[@anthonymullen6300]

I'm an Irishman, but I have such admiration for the United Kingdom, whatever the history between our two countries, the United Kingdom is a great country, it's is going through a difficult time right now but I hope the Labour Party pulls rabbit over the hat for everybody.

[@kimarnill7648]

Agree I’m Welsh ❤

[@nixonsmateruby1]

I have friends in Ireland in Athlone and I went to visit and some of the younger people thought Ireland payed money to the Queen, and some of what they thought was obviously thoughts passed down, but everyone was nice and friendly apart from some cynical modern views. I have to ask, is Ireland better off with Europe or should it be part of the UK....

[@alisonlinnell8943]

Fingers crossed - I’m English.

[@wheelie_1988]

​@@nixonsmateruby1or be independent?

[@rossstewart9475]

@@nixonsmateruby1 I think the arrangement we had where both Ireland *and* the UK were in the EU together, neither subsumed into the other but as equal partners, was best. I just wish that England, Wales, and Scotland could have the same thing.

[@RogersRamblings]

At the beginning of October I felt unwell and called an ambulance. The paramedics connected me to a diagnostic machine. The diagnosis was enough to earn me a trip to hospital. A more thorough investigation was carried out and I was admitted with heart failure. When I was fit enough I had heart surgery followed by a recovery period. My personal circumstances meant that I was homeless and so the hospital wouldn't discharge me. I contacted the local council for emergency accommodation. The hospital worked with the council to help my application. I'm now on medication for life. Being retired there's no charge. All this help was provided at no direct cost to me, it's paid for from taxes. However, according to the American mindset, this is socialism.

[@davidhines7592]

and to americans there is no difference between 'social democracy', socialism, and soviet/maoist china style communism. which is like equating water and molten steel as both being the same thing, molten steel....

[@michaeldowson6988]

@@davidhines7592 There's a 'social democracy' right next door in Canada. Doesn't interest them at all.

[@thesummerthatwas76]

Glad to hear you got the essential care you so urgently needed, and that you didn't get sick in America.

[@lindaharrison1757]

​@@michaeldowson6988 Trump wants Canada so he can make the people as unhappy as they are in the USA

[@suemasongreen8979]

It's called looking after each other , and supporting the less well off.

[@christineharding4190]

Any civilised society should have an NHS

[@experi-mentalproductions5358]

All civilized societies do.

[@kiewsky]

@@experi-mentalproductions5358 This is really an insult to the US

[@Miichael-b1j]

Hows that going in the UK ? Great idea that ruins a nation .

[@barrywilliams259]

Wrong. Universal health care, free at the point of use, yes but that’s not the same as the NHS. There are other far better, more efficient, more effective, systems in Europe and other countries than the NHS. Personally I prefer the German or Dutch systems.

[@glastonbury4304]

​@@barrywilliams259there's more effective I agree but efficient for the money they get, definitely not....

[@kevanwillis4571]

While visiting England, my partner collapsed outside the restaurant we were eating. Someone called 999. Within minutes a medic arrived by motorcycle. Followed a few minutes later by an ambulance. No fee.

[@jtre5387]

The benefits of living in a country considered socialist by most Americans. Truth is most Americans don't realise they've been brainwashed in pure unbridled capitalism, so many can't afford proper health care.

[@grahamboffey457]

You should have been charged, as tourists, but it’s not in the UK’s dna to think about money for healthcare.

[@suehayward656]

U must have had travel insurance

[@Martin-wx8gd]

@@grahamboffey457 If it was at a time UK was still in the EU and they are EU citizens, it would still be free.

[@StewedFishProductions]

@@grahamboffey457 You might want to 'look up' reciprocal 'health care agreements' - Also useful prior to travelling abroad. The 'Gov site' lists those countries which either match or provide similar or even partial treatment to visitors in their countries. There are 'obvious' ones i.e. Ireland, New Zealand and Malta 'et al'. But some very unexpected ones too, e.g. Bosnia & Hertzogovina, Israel and Montserrat... Most will require a Passport, along with your Nationa Insurance Details to be shown. Many people don't realise that certain healthcare is provided WITHOUT need to resort to 'Insurance. etc...

[@retu1172]

Uk plugs also have a safety feature the top prong opens up two shutters on the wall socket so you cant accidentally give yourself a nasty shock

[@Bobbyk5973]

Brit here working in the US - I recently experienced an ER visit in the US and I took myself in an Uber because I knew it was going to cost to call an ambulance. I also got admitted to hospital eventually, which I discharged myself from sooner than I would of, if I was in the UK because in the back of my mind, I was thinking about cost. I now have an ongoing approval process for insurance. The ER costs are INSANE haha. $25k for an MRI alone. Its just added stress that you dont need. I would also add, the one thing thats in the back of your mind when being treated in the US is, the uncertainty of whether you are getting the right treatment or if you're getting treatment, procedures, meds because of the money making industry in the US.

[@grahamsmith9541]

Comparison for anyone reading this in the USA. Cost of private MRI in the UK. With no insurance and not using NHS. £200 ($248.73) for 1 part of body rising to £1,200 ($1,492.40) for a full body scan. Depending on how many body parts are scanned. There are price comparison websites comparing the cost at different private hospitals. For whatever you need treatment for.

[@kiewsky]

TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ? You must be joking !!!

[@Ben-tu8ev]

For 25k you'd expect that scan to come with the location of the lost ark,

[@101steel4]

Im still having treatment (physiotherapy) after a motorbike crash last May. The NHS have been superb, from ambulances to surgery to medication. All with no bill in sight.

[@davebarlow6457]

As a Brit i simply cannot believe the situation as regards your healthcare in the US , for one of the most advanced countries in the world the healthcare situation there is a disgrace. Over here everyone is entitled to totally free healthcare services , including the homeless , regardless of the level of treatment needed. Living in the US must be a very scary thing if you are unfortunate enough to be born with health problems or experience some serious health issues at some point during your life , we look after our people here , regardless of their financial situation or status. After suffering from bad health myself over the last 15 years and needing the services of the NHS many times i no longer take them for granted , the service is an absolute godsend. Great reaction Connor , as always.

[@spanishpeaches2930]

The belief that our healthcare service is totally free is ridiculously naive.

[@davebarlow6457]

I appreciate it is funded through the taxation system but someone who has not paid taxes throughout their entire lifetime for one reason or another is still entitled to totally free NHS care , so from that point of view it is totally free.

[@Elderglade]

My father started having difficulty breathing and we called 999. 2 Rapid Response Paramedics arrived within 5 minutes, one on motorbike and another by car. They assessed my father and stabilised him till the ambulance arrived. He was triaged and then taken to the hospital. Unfortunately he did pass away, but it was a long ongoing medical issue that had just run its course, but they did everything they could for him. Absolutely no cost or bill at the end of it.

[@josefschiltz2192]

My sincere condolences for the loss of your father.

[@pedromancenithe3rd]

The NHS isn't free in real terms, it's paid for through taxes which most people pay. However it's free at the point of need for everyone. Prescriptions are pegged at £9.90 for all medication and free for people under 18 and seniors over 60 years. To have to pay 250 dollars for an inhaler in the US is outrageous.

[@Jinty92]

It's only in England that you have to pay for prescriptions. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland it's free for all prescriptions for everybody. Here in Scotland, we also have access to free OTC medications when signed up to a service here at pharmacies called Scotland First. There are many medications that are free like Canesten products, meds for mouth ulcers. There is a list of meds free for each Health Board in Scotland. I am signed up with Boots and just go in and get anything I need that's free. I used to pay OTC for these same products pre-covid when there was a similar scheme called Minor Ailments which was means tested. Since covid OTC meds on their list are free for everyone. Thank you NHS. 💙

[@timphillips9954]

Thats only in England prescriptions are free in Wales for everybody.

[@dylanmurphy9389]

The English aren’t as privileged as the Scots and Welsh

[@AnonYmous-nj7mh]

Prescriptions are also free if you have certain conditions and if you have low income. I have hypothyroidism and all my prescriptions are covered, not just my thyroid meds.

[@petergaskin1811]

@@timphillips9954 Also free in England if you have a "chronic" condition, i.e. one that is either permanent (type 1 Diabetes, Asthma) or just long-lasting. Or if you do need several in a year you can sign up to a money-saving scheme on an annual basis.

[@G998o]

Hi man, brit here. I have a good idea! When you have questions you ask, like when you were wondering about the midlands, it would be great if you paused the video. Googled the question and then reacted to your own question when resuming where you left off!! Tell me to sit down and shut up if you want, but I think that would be a good watch 🙌

[@tommyLcarter20]

Dude people got pissy at him months ago for doing what u sugested. so yea shut up bruhhh xD

[@G998o]

@tommyLcarter20 I didn't though did i bruhh

[@Bramfly]

Not only the UK, most European countries have healthcare incl. ambulance, medications, etc. free at the point of use. Paid for through taxes and (some sort of very affordable insurance premium)

[@Joey-ct8bm]

Everybody has free ambulances besides of the US. Name one. It's exactly like calling the fire department or police for the rest of the world. Think about it. You dial the same 911 number. It's not even the craziest bill. Holding your baby and paying for it would make other countries do a revolution if they would introduce that. That's completely insane.

[@RecycledLondoner]

We are encouraged to seek medical help here, I was having some weird minor symptoms 2 years ago so decided to see my Doctor - I was referred straight away for scans - scans came back suspicious so the NHS two-week rule systen started - that allows patients with suspected cancer symptoms to see a specialist within two weeks. This helps patients get an early diagnosis and treatment, which can improve health outcome within 2 weeks I was diagnosed then 2 weeks later surgery. I’m so grateful for the NHS

[@markmosley3547]

Real example of an experience I had with the NHS. For some unknown reason a rock hard jagged stone formed in the tube connecting my right kidney to my bladder. Kidney function dropped to 22% so I was operated on in less than 24 hours then spent the next 8 days in hospital on a continuous induction pump until my kidneys returned to normal with all the necessary equipment, medication, staff and undeniably nutritious but bland meals. Absolutely zero cost at the point of care.

[@emmafrench7219]

Where I live in UK our Aldi shops do have an enormous variety of different foods like delicatessen choices, cheeses, meats, spices, herbs. Loads. Too many to mention. I never used to shop there because I thought it was just going to be basic foods, but I was so wrong and now I don't go anywhere else. Also, I find it funny when in the car park of Aldi there is always a huge amount of top end cars! It's cheaper, but very good here.

[@maxthecat14]

We and a have a Aldi's and a Lidl's near us which we frequent, but still have to go to Sainsburys and Asda for some things we cant get in Aldi's.(or Waitrose if i am feeling flush.) Trouble is, I could spend all day going from shop to shop because none of them have everything i want.

[@judywelch-w7g]

Sorry for ranting I just needed to get that out. Your vids are great and as a young American you really will learn so much as you come out of the US Bubble.

[@hanwalker7408]

The wall sockets here are much better too as each plug has its own on/off switch on the socket - much safer and much cheaper on electricity. We have ambulances, motorbike paramedics, first responder paramedics and air ambulances which are all free. The UK driving test is really hard and most people fail the first time and more

[@Mary-i5c1m]

Plug in UK are designed that you can't get a shock from them. Even if it's hanging part out. And you can turn the power off at the socket.

[@That_is_for_me_to_know]

The Earth pin (top) is also longer that opens gates that cover the positive and neutral pins to avoid objects being inserted

[@johncrofts4393]

I had 75 years of receiving general health care until in January 2023 I suffered an aortic dissection (look it up). As soon as this was diagnosed I was taken to hospital by ambulance on blue lights and sirens, where a 12 man surgical team had been assembled for a 13hr emergency open heart operation to repair my aorta. I was in intensive care for two days and ten further days in recovery. When I was discharged, I was given a small pharmacy of medication which I will need for the rest of my life, plus aftercare, CT scans and appointments with my consultant. My wife also received the same normal treatment until she had our two children, one by Caesarian. Some years later, she contracted endometrial cancer, and had a full hysterectomy, with follow up care for the next five years. She also has a blood condition which requires lifetime medication, costing £30000 a year. She's also having her second cataract operation next week. Cost for both of us? £0 We'd probably have been allowed to die in the US

[@adrianboardman162]

The Brits also tend to be more flexible on both employer and employee side. I'm a hairdresser and broke my ankle, so was signed off for 6 weeks with another 2 weeks for physio. I ended up doing the office work from home freeing up my manager who was the only beautician. I still received my normal salary, but I was just side stepped for a couple of months so I was working, but not on my feet. It worked well, and stopped me climbing the walls.

[@janicejohnson6372]

I had a heart attack seen straightaway ecg and bloods done scanned taken to a bed and the had stents put in to blocked artery.Next year had a fall was x rayed broken ribs and punctured lung diagnosed drain put in and kept in hospital for 3 days. None of which I was charged for.I am now on heart drugs which i do not pay for. God bless the NHS

[@jeanauguste-f7i]

I don't know if you have this in America, but we can get our groceries delivered to our door for a fee as small as £1 up to £7.50 for peak times no matter where you live. We simply book a delivery day and time then shop online at our preferred supermarket. If we change our mind on something or for any reason we give it back to the driver, you get a refund. No limit to what you can buy either.

[@medic1627]

I love getting food deliveries, especially when the weather is terrible and you don't want to go out, but you desperately need something.

[@llamagirl2679]

I haven't been to a supermarket for 13 yrs I do everything online. I lived in California for 5 yrs and it was a nightmare not having the services we have here, from grocery deliveries to public transport and of course health care!

[@sicr7373]

The Midlands is the central part of England. The Midlands is not a city in itself, it's an area which comprises of several cities, examples of cities in the East Midlands would be Nottingham (where I live) Derby and Leicester, the West Midlands would include Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry amongst its cities. Hope this answers your question.

[@TT_09]

As an American, I always tell people if you can walk, and aren’t bleeding, take a car to the Hospital, not an Ambulance. It’s an automatic $2K that your insurance may not pay for. They may add meds they administer in the ambulance ride, (saline, aspirin,) They decide, not you. And you have to use their Healthcare judicial system to figure it out. Doctors don’t matter. My message to Americans, I was on Obamacare, it wasn’t perfect, but it was worth it. It was at least a step towards single payer. But now, with Musk, who knows?

[@limpetcarre1139]

If you are sick during your vacation, you must get a doctor's certificate to prove you were ill. Basically, you go to your GP, and if they think you would not be fit to work, even though you are on vacation, the doctor will give you a certificate to sign you off work, say 3 days to recover. On returning to work, you would provide this certificate to your employer, and they would give you those 3 days as vacation time for you to take later in the year.

[@peterfhere9461]

Most employers will still accept self certification for a few days of sickness whilst on holiday. I only did this once is over forty years of work....

[@harbingerofevil]

@@peterfhere9461 How did you know you had to do it that one time? It won't work retroactively, would it?

[@grahamboffey457]

Thank Bevan and Attlee for the NHS. My cancer was cured, and the cost, including parking and ambulances to my daily radiotherapy and weekly chemotherapy and pain medication and other prescriptions was……£0.00.

[@petergaskin1811]

And never trust the Tories. Every time the NHS had to pass a vote to get it established by Parliament, the Tories, to a man/woman, voted against it. Even the notorious Dr Charles Hill.

[@stevendurrant1724]

In the last 10 years I’ve had 3 major surgeries, 5 stays in hospital probably totalling about 12 weeks. The quality of the work: great. The bill: zero. One of the terrible things about the US system IMO is the extra power your employer has over your families life and wellbeing. So much for ‘liberty’

[@Dazzel69]

What he didn't mention about the plug was that it was designed to be as safe as possible, the live and neutral pins are insulated so that they can't be touched when inserting or removing the plug and also the earth pin which is slightly longer acts as a key to open the covers in the wall outlet which normally prevent access to the live connection when not used.

[@martinbynion1589]

The Midlands covers quite a big area with a number of cities including greater Birmingham, a dozen or so counties and has a total population of around 10-12 millions

[@laziojohnny79]

The most imprtant thing this guy didn't mention is the quality of grass. If you know you know.

[@dcallan812]

Our grass is real, not astro-turf. 😂👍

[@laziojohnny79]

@@dcallan812 Nor painted.

[@arnoldarnold4944]

Drug

[@thepoliticalhousethatjackbuilt]

$800 for an Ambulance, you must be kidding surely!? I was born in the UK and lived half my life there, I never hesitated to call an Ambulance, I took it for granted that it was free (the clue is in the name Ambulance *service* ). I was shocked to find out when I moved to Ireland it cost €70 to call an Ambulance....But $800 f**k me, that's just taking the p**s!. The NHS is 5 star, the only "downside" (if you can call it that) is you pay a little bit more in taxes, but you save a ton of money in not needing to buy Health Insurance. NHS is best value for money, cheaper than the USA, protection from cradle to grave, no matter what your circumstances, whether you are a pauper or a King, the NHS will never turn you away. The best thing about the UK by far.

[@katjasaha8396]

Those things are the same in most of Europe. 5 weeks' Holiday in a year, and if you are sick, then you will save your free days and have them later (Finland)

[@PotsdamSenior]

Can confirm for Germany. I'm always surprised that Americans (USians) can't wrap their heads around the most normal things we have in Europe 😅

[@sheilaheald2509]

I'm English but live in Cyprus now. When we lived in the UK we had a holiday in the Republic of Ireland. I woke up very early one morning with severe chest pains. We called an ambulance, which had to come over 20 miles to where we were staying and then take me over 40 miles to Galloway Hospital where I had blood tests and x rays. It was found that I had bacterial pneumonia. We didn't have to pay for anything!

[@MrGeeCee]

I've never driven. Probably spend around 100 a month on transport costs and because I live in the city I have amazing restaurants, pubs and other venues on my doorstep. It's not a bad life and I've never missed car ownership.

[@princessperdita]

The Midlands is not a county. It is literally the middle of England comprising several counties

[@jamesgander1973]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midlands

[@SimonRaahauge1973]

The county containing the city of birmingham is called west midlands...

[@djtwo2]

In the UK, if you have a car you have to worry about parking it, even at "home". This can be very expensive. For those occasions you actually need a car, there is the option of hiring one. A study showed that, taking depreciation into account, if you only need to do about 10 long trips by car a year, you are better off hiring cars when needed, rather than owning a mostly unused car.

[@jtomlin1uk]

That may be true of London and some of the bigger cities but it is not true of everywhere else in the country.

[@101steel4]

I watched a video where an American had collapsed on the street. They were doing chest compression and the fire brigade turned up 😂 She was having a heart attack, she wasn't on fire.

[@ShelleyOtter]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@AnnetteLawrence-mv2tz]

The fire brigade turned up because they are first aid trained and they are part of the emergency services.

[@robertseavor4304]

American fire services also operate ambulances. Their fire trucks carry CPR equipment and are also used to take patients to hospital.

[@ShelleyOtter]

@ I’m sorry, I think this was Brit type humour! Yes, I think the idea crossed the minds of the authorities in the UK because having multi skilled personnel must surely save more lives. But, as ever, nothing gets done. It’s a heck of a responsibility for one person though isn’t it!

[@lordflashget8780]

The fire and rescue save many lives, Kensington in Philly has a severe addiction problem, you can watch live whilst they do the work that a paramedic/ambulance operative would do here. It's so sad.

[@AlOh-2]

The helicopter ambulance is also free 😊

[@petergaskin1811]

But they are all provided by Charities which operate on a county by county system or area system. We live in London and support the London Air Ambulance charity.

[@SusanMcbride-t9d]

I’m now retired from work and live in the uk. I travel for free. I did live in America once and I had to have a car as I lived on the outskirts of a City. I now live in a City centre but don’t have a car because there are lots of electric buses and I have a metro station at the end of my street which can take me as far as twenty miles away and even to an airport.

[@lakelady57]

An ambulance usually has paramedic staffing and emergency equipment to deal with you immediately, they then have direct contact with the hospital so upon arrival everyone is ready to act if necessary. You can be on pain relief in the ambulance and be monitored right from pick up - so this would explain some of the costs. We don't have free ambulances in NZ, but they are 95.00 for an incident. You can become a member of St John's and pay a subscription to cover all these costs for a lessor yearly amount (similar to an insurance).

[@kitobi10660]

im 54 years old, never had a drivers license and never really needed one, the wife does drive and we do have a car but its not always needed, the trade off is time taken, a 5 min journey takes 40 mins by bus as it goes everywhere to pick up and drop off as many as possible to make it profitable, public transport also can be costly in direct comparison with a car, and he's correct on the sickness vs leave, i work for the government and if I'm sick on leave i will get any affected leave dates returned. for heath care he's also correct, we look at health care and your rights for access the same way America does for guns, you are entitled to free world beating healthcare that's paid for by the general taxpayer, its done on a triage system and if its urgent it will happen immediately, if its less urgent or cosmetic you will still get the OP just a little later on, I'm not sure why America has such a distrust to this system after all your military and fire services are funded exactly the same way and no one bats an eye.

[@Wim1979]

In june 2022 i was visiting my lifelong american friend and he had a stroke while i (= european) was driving from Maine back to NYC, he ended up in the ER in UMASS. So lucky we just changed drivers 10 min earlier and he was the passenger. I was surprised ( dramatic americans would say shocked 😂, or mindblown) to see the blatant and obvious class healthcare. In short he is a lawyer, 500K a year , so quite well off and super well insured. He was treated like a king got his own little cubicle immediately etc, while other less fortunate souls, those without insurance i was told, were in beds lining the hall and coridors. My focus was on him untill his wife arrived from NYC 5hrs later , only then i started to take in the surrounding patients, the fact i had to pass a metal detector abd security check to enter didnt even register untill i finally left for a smoke and returned. It sure is different, and i would most likely be a dead man already if we had the US system here, as i am skint 😂. ( my friend paid for that visit, he's a real one )🤘❤️

[@josefschiltz2192]

When I was caring for my mother, she had a nasty fall in her bedroom. I was thinking of lifting her off the floor, but I asked if she was hurting anywhere - in between all the swearing at me to get her off the floor. Despite her protestations for the contrary, I sent for an ambulance. They brought along an inflatable cushion to gently ease her up and onto a stretcher and she went into hospital for over a week - to about a fortnight. A rib had punctured a lung. Thankfully, I didn't try to move her! What did this cost? Absolutely nothing. Free from the beginning of use until the ambulance car brought her back home.

[@Spiklething]

There are times you are charged for an ambulance in the UK. Most people don't realise it but if you are the driver in a road traffic accident and you are at fault, you will be charged for the ambulance and for both your care and the care of others you have injured by the NHS. You won't even be aware this happens however, as it is covered by the personal injury portion of your car insurance. The NHS reclaims money for the ambulance and any treatment required through your insurers and you don't even receive a bill

[@Michael-yq2ut]

I'm 58 and never needed to get a driving licence and I've lived all over including London and Manchester.

[@jtomlin1uk]

Never lived in smaller towns or villages though?

[@Michael-yq2ut]

@jtomlin1uk yeah, I live on the Yorkshire coast now and, although the prices have gone up, busses are good where I am

[@sarahpercival8460]

I lived in a small town in Cheshire and never had a licence. You don't have to drive in the UK, public transport is pretty good. Cars are a rip off as far as I'm concerned.

[@jtomlin1uk]

@@sarahpercival8460 Ever been to Cornwall where there is a bus in some parts once a day?

[@sarahpercival8460]

@jtomlin1uk Yes, I have visited, and there are certain parts of our country that is rural and little off the beaten track, but why would you take a bus in Cornwall it's beautiful, time for trekking 😆. But yes your right, there are some places where you probably do need a car or a chauffeur. 😉

[@jasonsmart3482]

The NHS is far from perfect and very stretched. Still grateful for it especially in an emergency situation. however I need to have an op to remove a growth - its not painful and is not a life threating growth. Saw the consultant a couple of weeks ago - referred in November. yes i can have the op waiting time 12 to 18 mths. Fortunately i have private medical insurance through work, asked if I was covered i was op in 3 weeks.

[@paulbakerma61]

I live in the Peak District in a village but I rarely use my car. Depending on where I’m going the train or bus makes more sense. Especially when you consider petrol and parking.

[@Chris.groucott]

THANK YOU so so much for always being so kind and respectful towards my country, bro.... you're a legend 👏 👍 🇬🇧 ❤ 🇺🇸

[@Nobby76]

In regards to the "Where do they get the $800 number from for the ambulance" they basically make it up. Same with all medical prices. We all know that story about the medical company that suddenly changed the price of an epipen from like £20 to like £200, for no good reason.. And asthma inhalers.. If you can buy a new inhaler cartridge in mexico for $1 you should be able to buy it for that much anywhere else in the world. Its the same chemicals, same cartridge. And if its a case of " It costs more to make it here" Then just buy it from mexico where its cheap and let them manufacture it, rather than america.. But no they wont do that, they just jack up the price to be something stupid like $100 per cartridge.. The ENTIRE medical system in america (especially insurance) is just another business, like Mc donalds, or AT&T or anyone else. Instead of the No1 priority being "Lets save lives" its "Lets make money"

[@wanderingwilcoxs]

NHS is not free we pay a separate tax called Nation Insurance but it’s such a small payment vs private health care and that payment also covers low income unemployed retired and long term sick who don’t have to make that payment I have a life long condition so I will never have to pay for medicines or treatment if you work you pay £9 per medicine no matter what the actual cost.

[@twigletz7384]

The Midlands is, quite literally the middle section of England. Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire etc and you were right with Warwickshire and Rutland. You're getting there with your British geography knowledge 😄

[@markpodlesak7204]

The uk Electric plug/ sockets system has so many safety features. I couldn't find a video of you watching one. You will find several to watch.

[@fxcharttime3439]

Midlands - Birmingham - Home of Ozzy Osbourne

[@keefsmiff]

You going to the concert?

[@PUNKinDRUBLIC72]

Healthcare is a right and not a privilege is the best thing I will hear today!🇬🇧

[@colinbirks5403]

You can't drive manual???? That's your attitude! Most people in the U.K. can drive with manual gearboxes. It's not difficult.

[@stephensmith1343]

I had a cardiac arrest in the gym who's staff used a defib to shock my heart followed by an ambulance with paramedics and a helicopter with 3 doctors arriving. 3 weeks in hospital where I received stents and an ICD pacemaker. I have 2 hospital visits per year and daily monitoring, costs covered. All meds covered by our NHS for £120 a year but now retired so pay nothing.All paid for by our taxes here in the UK. Thank you NHS.

[@mrtomsaa]

In Latvia most people pass driving test on a manual.

[@tonyeden2944]

Firms providing buses circulating from stations to place of work is quite common. Trains - mention was made about using the train but what was not mentioned was that of frequency. London to Scotland, for example, about 600 miles, has newly 100 services each day each way.

[@Tom-Renegades]

If youre having a heart attack in the US, its cheaper to fly to UK so you dont pay.

[@AahFukIt]

Distance to Cuba is shorter and free aswell !

[@davidware9549]

But the time it would take they be dead before they get here

[@Miichael-b1j]

We all pay .

[@lisawilliams5107]

Your telling the truth I lived in the UK for a year and it was awesome

[@claregale9011]

Hi connor , it's definately handy jave the rail network we do . I can be in London from my home in Kent in an hour that's a bus ride to the station then 40 mins on the train , in all costs me £18 there and back . Just been to the serial killer exhibition in London couple of weeks back nice day out 😅 it was interesting and funnily enough mostly women in there 😀.

[@joannedickie7863]

We have Aldi in Australia & their stores have a huge variety of food & other household items. What they do not have is a large selection of brands for each item. If you want canned peas there is only one brand. It makes shopping much quicker & the prices are usually cheaper than the other supermarket chains. We can also claim vacation days as sick leave if we fall sick while on holidays.

[@FlbcImp]

Having seen a few comparison videos I have come to the conclusion that America offers nothing.

[@am4793]

The suppermarket food in Europe is better quality, healthier, humane, and as varied as in the US. French supermarkets are on another level with the highest quality delicacies on at cheap cost.

[@markbeaumont3292]

The NHS isn't free, it's paid for through national insurance contributions from your monthly salary.

[@kiewsky]

This is the principle of INSURANCE. You may go through life paying premiums and not taking advantage of the services provided. You are very fortunate - don't complain !!! Because the day may come when you have a serious health problem - or have a baby. You will be happy, relieved even, that you don't have to pay for the services. Think about motor vehicle insurance. Do you complain about having to pay for that? How much more important is your health?

[@Miichael-b1j]

@@kiewsky I don't think he was complaining . He's wrong though .

[@petergaskin1811]

Not quite - the NHS is paid for through General Taxation. The National Insurance scheme funds the State Retirement Pension, for which you need 39 years of full contributions for a full pension.

[@petergaskin1811]

@@Miichael-b1j He certainly is wrong though. See my general response to him.

[@SB-cz9vo]

The principle behind ALDI and LIDL is that they buy the products like basic food things in bulk of x number of semis and therefore get reduced prices. These loads are hauled to the logistics centres across the nation, stored as needed and then shipped to the stores on scale of how many pallets, trolleys or sometimes cartons they need. These days they have moved a good deal towards placing the products on the shelves in their transport cartons. Historically, almost all products were left on their respective pallets and staff simply replaced the empty pallets with new full ones. Historic remnants of this system are paper towels, toilet paper, bottled water, juices and soft drinks. I'm sure I missed a few more, but they're still on their Euro pallets, stacked 2 metres high in most cases.

[@MandyWatt-tw2sn]

My sister was an ECA (emergency care assistant) and drive ambulances for paramedics. She quit after a few years because she was infuriated at the people who rang for them! She went to very few genuine emergencies in her 5 years working for them and most were people who had d&v or a headache or were too fat to get down the stairs to go to the doctor or whatever! So that’s the flip side of ‘free’ ambulances and health care.

[@Daisy15_LC]

The NHS is a lifeline for Brits, however its got its problems. Because it’s free you have people clogging up hospitals and doctor’s appointments with completely unnecessary things. There’s huge wait times unless it’s an emergency which is what he had. It can take over a year from initial referral by your GP to get offered an appointment at the referred department because there’s so much demand the wait times are crazy. As for school dinners, children in low income families (on benefits) can get free school meals however every one else has to pay.

[@ange5673]

A&E is horrendous. At the beginning of December I was waiting 32 hours in A&E with a life threatening condition. I was 16 hours before they could even find me a trolley in the corridor, 32 hours for a bed on a ward. Many people now go to A&E because they can’t get a GP appointment and it just gets clogged. I was sent in on a Tuesday lunchtime, not even a weekend! The life threatening condition I was admitted with I have surgery for in 2 weeks time. I was put on the urgent list. I’ll have waited 11 weeks. So the American in the video was a lucky man to get surgery and treatment so quickly!

[@letheas6175]

And imagine, that's.. Europe's US. Many other European countries are doing much better. The comparison between those and the US is honestly, pretty crazy. As in every positive ranking/metric, they rank better than the US. Fun fact, on the Global Safety Index, the US ranks 132 (out of 164 countries) sitting just 1 spot below Brazil, and 1 spot above IRAN.. Yeah, no duh even the UK is doing better.

[@lailachopperchops9290]

Connor dont like it when you pointout the "Inadequates" of yankland . x

[@billdoor3140]

I'd take US freedom of speech anyday mate. People in uk jailed for blasphemy? Unless you live in a nice posh area uk is crap.

[@babalonkie]

@@billdoor3140 Jailed for intentionally terrorising & harassing individuals or groups. USA has the exact same laws... one is "simply disturbing the peace". It's called justice and order... USA should give it a try sometime...

[@LalaDepala_00]

​@@billdoor3140 In the U.S. people get fired all the time for their political opinions or social media posts. As a Dutch person I would prefer the UK over the U.S. Atleast in the UK people can find their own country on a globe.

[@letheas6175]

@@billdoor3140 Spoken like a true seppo. Also.. did you even check the Freedom index? You're.. not that free. Try again.

[@clairem1126]

I had a bad accident at home ,collapsed broke my nose smashed my head. Ambulance arrived within half an hour. I live in a rural area so that was actually good. I was in hospital for three days. Had CT scan xrays blood tests a heart loop implant due to the underlying cause ent and plastics specialists - the lot ! Plus follow-up care for the next few weeks. The only costs was for us to pay parking and even though I pay taxes I can tell you the cost to the NHS with no retail markup would still have been around £10,000+

[@GordonPryra]

The South - Pret a Manger The Midlands - Gregs The North - Something horrible with gravy on it

[@Jill-mh2wn]

This may add some more comparison . There are people with health insurance in the UK ,this entitles them to `go private' and therefore skip the queues that have currently built up in the NHS . A friend had a knee replacement done privately and the cost overall was about £12,500. The stay in a private hospital was the same as it would be in the NHS ,say 2 nights overall, with about 3 interviews with the surgeon/consultant and a couple of physiotherapy appointments included in the price. Could someone compare what this would cost in the US ?

[@Adam-kq2gf]

The truth is the NHS is in billions of pounds in debt or tax payer dept and is a victim of its own success, it’s really struggling with its demand due to the country’s increasingly high population and health tourism. I’m afraid that one day it will go private due to this.

[@cyruslad5462]

Reform will disband it, there will be chaos and much protesting.

[@anthonymullen6300]

When the Tories took over the NHS had a approval rating of 80%, it is the Tory Party's lack of investing in the NHS that cause of the NHS struggling.

[@stevenmclaren2730]

It's not in debt at all. It's government funded through taxation. It can't be in debt. Expensive yes

[@lordprefab5534]

Did to lack of investment by successive English governments

[@ramadaxl]

Classic example Re Ambulances...I was sitting in front of my computer and dropped a pen, bent down to pick it up...and joined it on the floor...and couldn't get back up again. So ( as you do ) I phoned my neighbour...the fact that she's fairly tall, blue eyed and blonde has nothing to do with it ;-) She took one look at me and called for an ambulance, they turn up ( a crew of three ! ) assessed me and loaded me up to drive me to hospital...however...my BP was a 'bit' on the high side...and I had a bi*** of a migraine, so to bring down the BP and give me pain relief they gave me an injection...of Morphine. The trip to hospital was actually quite pleasant ;-) Total cost ? ZERO ! Oh BTW...it turned out that I had had a stroke 😕

[@chrismchale543]

Your point about size is definitely true I've done the Greyhound bus from Mia in to San Francisco over six weeks. Greetings from Lincolnshire in the East Midlands.

[@juliehillman8743]

The only downside to our fantastic public yransport is having to wait for the next bus/train after getting off work. Especially in winter when it is dark, cold and either snowing or raining. My car journey to work from door to door takes me 10-15 minutes. I would have to catch the bus an hour before starting work, with a short walk in from my stop. If I left work 5 minutes late, I would have to wait another 40 minutes for the next bus. The upside is that if I stay and work that extra 30 minutes, I can build up the time until I save a max of another 3 days a month in time off in lieu. Win, win for me.

[@tenniskinsella7768]

Im glad someone mentioned over populstion surely thats the main reason why theres such a waiting list forvoperstions and casualty

[@Puddinglad]

What you do need to know is getting to see a doctor can be up to 3 weeks. It took me two years to get a knee operation. In that period, I became hooked on painkillers in order to carry on working and daily life. I'm lucky enough now to go private,my last operation I needed was done and dusted in 2 weeks. From first consultation to the op. NHS is free if you don't work but you get taxed to use it so for workers you are paying.but its big downside is that too many people use it,and wait times are horrendous.

[@JohnSmith-bx8zb]

That’s because all the European medical staff went home after brexit. You can go to a walk-in Center or a Hospital Urgent Care. GPS do have emergency appointments daily

[@judithhope8970]

Many of our towns and cities have a Park and Ride. That's a big car park on the outside of town and a bus that runs from there to the centre of town. It is cheap, often free for the elderly with a bus pass, and so much easier and cheaper than parking in town. They normally run every ten to fifteen minutes for most of the day and early evening. I do like to use the train, but it is expensive. When going on holiday the car gives more freedom to travel the countryside where the buses are less frequent.

[@michaeldenton2503]

Australia’s health care system is very similar to the Uk. There is a charge for Ambulances in some States but it is not huge and usually covered by Insurance. As a pensioner it costs me nothing. I and my wife would both be dead if we lived in the USA. She had Stage 4 Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, has now been Cancer free for 6 years while in 2022/23 I had 4 Hospital admissions in 12 months with serious illness. I spent some time in ICU but thanks to the dedication of the doctors and nurses I made it home. I then had rehab at home with respiratory physics. Total cost for both of us $0

[@dorothysimpson2804]

I am 72, never had a driving lesson. Buses all my life, it's just normal. We get 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, all on full pay. When off sick you are on full pay for at least a week. If you work on a bank holiday you get extra pay plus a day off in lieu.

[@NightingRoseGale]

There are some really informative video clips on KZbin explaining the safety benefits of the British plug and socket system, it isn't just that they stay in more securely.

[@davidberesford7009]

If you work for a UK company, they have records and know what time you are taking off. If you are seen to be having a regular pattern of additional sick days it will be spotted, and questions will be asked, if you are taking the piss, you will be disciplined, but if you have a problem, health or family issues, they may ask if there is anything that can be changed to help you with the problem. Keep Reacting!

[@AndrewBroadhead-kb7oc]

Regarding where in the Midlands does Carl live - he's already said he lives near Derby, that's why he frequently catches the Derby to Nottingham bus to save him having to drive. Downsides to the rail service - it can be very expensive to use if you don't buy your tickets well in advance. Train cost from Derby to London today would be £77 one way. Same journey but on 1st May, booking it today, would be £35. Less than half the price.

[@oiyouoverhere1112]

Transportation trade offs in the UK, would be when you work a shift pattern where the shift ends at 6am, in some areas the bus service might not run at that time, so you have to wait for the service to resume and if it a Sunday, you are definitely booking a cab/taxi to get home or at least to a mainstream bus route. Now there are some bus services that begin at 5am in the UK and run til midnight except on a Sunday. But its only in the main cities and the main thoroughfares within city to city routes or major population centers within a cities borough. Some suburbs the buses might run from 7am through the week, and around 9am on a Sunday. If you're out in the country public services are less regular. Train routes are similar in timing in some areas.

[@rhiafensom9637]

Also, with the plug sockets you can turn the socket on or off at the wall by the socket you don't have to remove the plug to disconnect the electricity you can leave the plug in a press a switch next to the plug😊

[@Markoski1986]

Where I work you get 28 days plus your birthday off too (or closest working day if it’s on a weekend). Also we can sell any vacation days we haven’t used for a full days pay, or carry up to 5 over to the next year.

[@raderadumilo7899]

There are few issues with using only public transportation, and not owning a car: - If you want to go shopping for a lot of things, or you just want to buy something bulky that doesn't on the other hand merit spending on delivery. - If you have small kids, and you need to take the trolley with you and lot of stuff. - If you have school kids that also do sports and other extracurricular activities. Generally, you can do without a car. However, if those above activities dominate in your schedule, it is better to have a car.

[@Lily-Bravo]

Re car ownership. I live in the country now, a village about four miles by road to the nearest small town. There is a bus service but it is not great. If I was retired it would do I suppose, and it does for quite a few people, but I flit about and go to work as well. I work nearby and could walk, length of distance wise, but I live at the top of a long and very steep hill and work at the bottom. When I was younger I lived in Richmond Surrey which is at the edge of London. I rode a bike and later a moped to work and my husband walked to the station and then caught a train into town (London). My son now lives in London and walks to work and his fiance buses. They would not have a car where they are now. They explore the country a lot and hire a car, or train. My other son has family and has a cottage near me but stays up and works West of London in the week and they have a van for him and a big car for her and the children. It really depends on your circumstances.

[@melanierhianna]

My partner uses the train to go to work as it would be mad to drive there and parking is horrendous however the trains can be quite unreliable and sometimes she just has to work from home because they have been cancelled. I have to go to London occasionally for work and it’s more than 200 miles away. I will always use a train.

[@jeanbicknell7887]

It is correct that you can reclaim some or all your holiday if you were ill during it but you must provide proof of this, ( a letter from a doctor), to your employer.

[@BlackHoleSpain]

Well, the Schuko plug type is the standard *Type F* for 230V 50Hz in many countries of Europe. No need for a 3rd prong, because of the ground clips of the socket, that match with the ground plates of the plug, and the shape of the plastic sides of the plug itself, that match with notches in the socket for it not to move. You need some force to plug and unplug. It never gets loose.

[@bookworm67-hv7nm]

it's not "free" it's paid by peoples taxes

[@karenjones7267]

The midlands are literally the area in the middle of England it includes places such as Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire (my home county) and has a lot of lovely places to visit.

[@DM-it2ch]

Yes, ambulances are free in the UK. But when a woman broke her leg in my town, just before Christmas- and the bone was sticking out through the skin- the ambulance service said it would be 8 to 12 HOURS before they could attend. So my pal put her in his car and drove her to hospital.

[@davidwysoczanskyj8332]

A touch on the sick time from work, depends on who you work for you can get full pay while sick and you can claim sick time back from holidays, holidays are paid if you've earned them but the general sick pay (statutory sick pay) is greatly reduced.