South East Coast Ambulance Service Puts Staff, Patients At Risk Says Union

Thursday, 25 November 2021 06:00

By Jade McLean

The Fiat ambulances are used alongside the above Mercedes ones.

The GMB Union, which represents Secamb, has warned 'bargain basement' vehicles are putting staff and patients at risk of 'catastrophic injuries including decapitation'.

In a report, the union has said cheap Fiat vehicles with modified seats, which Secamb uses alongside its traditional fleet, have safety flaws.

They say the seat has been moved so staff and patients can't correctly position the seatbelt across their collar bone and shoulder.

The union has since written to its thousands of Secamb members warning them not to use the vehicles without the offer of a personal risk assessment

The union’s health and safety assessment suggest the incorrectly positions seatbelts could lead to severe injury including decapitation.

GMB is now calling for these vehicles to be banned for staff and patients until an independent review is conducted proving they are safe to use.

Lib Whitfield, GMB Organiser, said:

“Trusts across the country are trying to cut costs by using these bargain basement vehicles instead of the safer specification Mercedes ambulances - but they are risking lives.

“These adapted vehicles aren’t safe for running errands – never mind speeding to save someone’s life.

“It is simply only a matter of time before someone dies - GMB will not be kept silent by an uncaring employer

"Despite GMB Union raising this issue constantly, Secamb executives have ordered another more than 60 more of these potential death traps.

“Trusts bosses have laughed openly at GMB reps who’ve tried to raise this serious safety issue.

“GMB believes the trust does not simply want to be the first in the country to admit there is a serious safety issue in these vehicles.

"GMB cannot stand by and wait for someone to lose their life or suffer catastrophic injuries - if Secamb is so certain these vehicles are safe why not allow an independent safety assessment?"

Secamb has been contacted for comment.