One in three ambulance workers have had coronavirus, union suggests
Almost a third of those said their symptoms were ‘really bad’ or required medical attention
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than one in three ambulance staff have had Covid-19 – mainly catching it while at work, according to new research.
The GMB union said a survey of 1,600 of its members in the service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland suggested that 37 per cent have had the virus.
Almost a third of those said their symptoms were "really bad" or required medical attention.
The GMB said poor personal protective equipment (PPE) was to blame, claiming that ambulance workers report having to attend patients with flimsy gowns.
Rachel Harrison, GMB national officer for public services, said it was a "disgrace" that a year into the pandemic, staff were still not being given proper protection.
Follow live coronavirus updates
She said: "Our paramedics, technicians and practitioners are expected to treat suspected coronavirus patients with nothing but a flimsy mask and a plastic apron.
"GMB has called for guidance to be reviewed since the start of the pandemic and unless ministers sit up and take notice, our health service will be overwhelmed."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "The safety of NHS and social care staff including paramedics has always been our top priority and we continue to work round the clock to deliver PPE that helps protect those on the front line.
"Guidance on the safest levels and standards of PPE is written by experts and agreed by all four UK chief medical officers.
"Our guidance is kept under constant review based on the latest evidence."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments