Scrapping half of East Midlands Ambulance Service’s fast response vehicles will put lives at risk, says UNISON.
The union says plans to half the number of vehicles will mean fewer paramedics are able to reach life-threatening emergencies quickly.
Fast response vehicles are usually first on the scene at the most serious 999 calls across the region, aiming to reach patients within seven minutes. But UNISON says East Midlands Ambulance Service’s plans to keep its remaining fleet in rural areas will leave people in towns and cities relying on ambulances instead.
Under the changes, fast response vehicle drivers would be moved onto ambulance crews. UNISON says this could leave paramedics stuck in queues outside hospitals instead of racing to save lives.
UNISON East Midlands ambulance lead Dave Limer said: “These cuts are dangerous and short-sighted. Fast response vehicles are often first on the scene when someone’s heart has stopped or they’re not breathing. Taking away half of them will result in people waiting longer for help when every second counts.”
UNISON East Midlands ambulance branch secretary Stuart Hallowes said: “Paramedics don’t want to be sat outside hospitals in queues, they want to be out there saving lives. East Midlands Ambulance Service needs to think again before these changes cost lives.”
