AIBU to think this is not on

Having dealt with similar situations, I agree that the surgery's response was correct. I also think that time spent explaining would have been valuable time lost.
999 operators are used to explaining what to do whilst mobilising help.
I say this, not to 'tick off' anyone but in the spirit of us all learning from each other.

MOnica....I've read your post about 5 times but I'm still not sure what the first paragraph means.

My 2nd son was diagnosed with Asthma at 9 months of age.... the first time he had an Asthma attack, it was terrifying for all of us (me, him, and my husband), but we rang 999 and went off in an ambulance. That's what prompted me to complete a First Aid course. My later employment of being a Community Carer meant that I had to re-take the course regularly. I'm also the First-Aider at my current employment.

Training in First Aid can literally be a life-saver.

A 999 call handler will pass the information on to someone who will despatch an ambulance immediately if necessary, but could also keep talking to you and give limited advice or at least keep up to date with what is happening to pass that information on.
They could also know if an ambulance is nearer than the ambulance station and able to answer the call

I hate to say it but you could easily die if you tried to contact our doctors surgery in an emergency. You can't even get through on the phone let alone get to see a doctor or
a nurse in an emergency. I have had to call 999 many many times over the years with sister and think it is always the best way to go in an emergency. When you have little ones a basic first aid course is such a help and gives you confidence to cope.

In a case like this those involved to not carefully go online to carefully check who is the appropriate person to ring, they contact the nearest available medical facility and it it is the surgery that is what they do. They may well ring 999 as well.

In a situation where as OP says The ambulance had to come 30 miles and the paramedic 20, at least talking to a doctor could be the difference between life and death.

Easy to tick OP off when you are not in a situation where a baby has stopped breathing.

in that situation 999 first. A GP surgery is not a mini A&E department, even if it is next door.

I agree basic First Aid is an asset.

The surgery was not the right place to ring and their response should have been "Dial 999."

Glad to hear baby is well.

Lynne59 is so right. Basic first aid is a must for all sorts of reasons. Always a 999 job with babies and small children who have temperatures.
In fact to learn to resuscitate is an asset, from a baby to an adult.

I would treat anyone who wasn't breathing as an emergency, and phone an ambulance straight away.

What a relief that your DGS's illness was not more serious and he is better now.

Yes, I most emphatically do the think the surgery should have reacted positively.

I think the problem was a badly trained receptionist, who did not fully understand how serious the emergency was. If you had managed to speak to one of the doctors, I am sure he would have reacted positively.

I would write to this surgery describing the events and ask them, if they really do not treat anyone, even in a dire emergency like yours,unless they are a patient of the surgery. and what about a car accident outside the surgery door. If you do not get a sufficient reply. complain to the health authority.

Many years ago DH was taken ill when away on business. He staggered into the nearest surgery. The receptionist refused to let him see the doctor until he had made an appointment and none were available for that day. At which point his legs gave way beneath him and he crashed to the ground. He was seen within seconds.

The local GP surgery is not an emergency service. 999 should be the first port of call in such a situation.

Firstly Lynne59 is right, all parents should have basic first aid training and anyone else who looks after young children, even for a short time.

Secondly always dial 999 not the local surgery. They will at least help whilst you are on the line and talk you through what to do until a Paramedic arrives. Pleased it all turned out ok.

The baby is alright, which is the main things. So many "what ifs" in a situation like that.

I think it's always best to have First Aid training when you're a parent or someone who looks after another person.