GMB Union is calling for training for military staff assisting the overburdened Wales Ambulance Service.
Massive pressures due to chronic understaffing and fall out from the pandemic have led to the Army being drafted in to aid ambulance staff in Wales.
'Unqualified' members of the military being used for emergency 999 calls in Wales, claims unionhttps://t.co/Lm2pR6XYrp pic.twitter.com/K8YvrQm7dF
— WalesOnline ???????????????????????????? (@WalesOnline) November 13, 2021
Instead of specialised training, personnel were only given a two-day familiarisation course.
This has meant when emergency workers attend a call out, armed forces personnel are often unable to aid in response procedures, leading to distressing consequences.
Anecdotally, GMB has been told stressed defence staff are taking sick leave after attending call outs.
GMB believes that any member of the armed forces assisting ambulance staff deserve proper training, so that they can effectively assist in callouts.
GMB Union have sent these letters, one to the Welsh Minister for Health and Social Care and another to Chief Executive of Welsh Ambulance. Threats to the mental health of GMB members along with their registration & jobs will not be tolerated.@KellyRed777 @RehanaAzam @RHarrisonGMB pic.twitter.com/ZEwxNgdRYc
— Nathan holman (@NathanGmbunion) November 11, 2021
Nathan Holman, GMB Organiser, said:
“Frankly, our military personnel deserve better.
“This is a training issue, not a personnel issue – and they need the training to be able to assist effectively.
“Our military should not be left as frustrated bystanders, we should give them the tools to be as effective as they can be and that should be in the form of the correct training, not a two-day taster course.
