Union Fears Ambulance Changes Could Delay Response Times

A union has expressed concern East Midlands Ambulance Service is to reduce the number of Fast Response cars responding to 999 calls.

EMAS is making the change so it can increase the number of double-crewed ambulances available, but the GMB Union is worried it will lead to delayed response times in more remote areas, like the Harborough district.

It is also concerned there has been no consultation with staff ahead of the move.

However, EMAS say having more ambulances on the road will enhance its ability to respond to emergencies and provide hospital transport if necessary, adding the change will not affect emergency cover in any area.

A spokesperson for the GMB Union said: “East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) Trust is proposing a fundamental change to Fast Response Vehicle (FRV) crewed by Paramedics/Technicians across the whole of its catchment area.

“The basic principle of this is to reduce the amount of FRV’s by approximately 50%, this will in our opinion have an impact on our patients and colleagues.

“The Trust state that as an organisation we already put out more FRV cover proportionally than any other UK Ambulance Trust, this reduction will see a minimal increase DCA cover (approximately 5-10%) in EMAS but pay no attention to remote areas, the potential for serious incident to receive a delayed response and the damaging effect it will have on staff morale for those affected.”

EMAS is to reduce the number of Fast Response Vehicles to provide more ambulances

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS) Director of Operations Ben Holdaway said: “Patient safety, service improvement, and staff wellbeing guide our decisions. We regularly review how we work and what our communities need to make the best use of staff, vehicles, and equipment.

“We are reviewing our emergency vehicle provision in line with patient needs and demand across all communities. As part of this, we are working to ensure that rural areas continue to receive timely and effective emergency responses. Our double crewed ambulances can transport patients to hospitals, while fast response cars cannot. Increasing the number of ambulances on the road will enhance our ability to respond to emergencies and provide hospital transport if necessary, benefitting patients in both urban and rural areas.

“Thanks to the improvements made with staff and unions over the past year, our 999 response is getting better. This change is one of several steps to keep that progress going.

“Our new Clinical Hub and Critical Care Desk mean more patients get the right help, faster, and more 999 calls are safely handled by clinicians over the phone, without needing to send an ambulance.

“When we do send an ambulance, it’s because it carries vital equipment, stretchers and trained staff to safely transport patients when needed.

“We’ll continue to be supported by our fantastic Community First Responder volunteers, Medical First Responders, and partners like the air ambulance and critical care teams in the region. With more ambulances available, we can support them even better by getting fully equipped ambulances to patients more quickly.

“We continue to actively engage with staff and trade unions to discuss the proposals.”