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The National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA) said today (Friday, 15 th Sept.) that the latest statistics from the National Ambulance Service on the incidents of breakdown of ambulances in 2016 shows a continuing dangerous level of ambulance breakdown and highlights the need for more urgent investment in replacing aging and high mileage vehicles.
NASRA National Secretary, Tony Gregg said the latest figures released under Freedom of Information (FOI) that more than 200 ambulances required breakdown assistance last year, and that one in 20 of the NAS fleet has more than 300,000 klms. on the clock points to a potentially dangerous situation for both patients and ambulance crews.
‘Unfortunately, we have seen a number of near tragic incidents around the country resulting from mechanical faults in the ambulance fleet in recent years. These were in part responsible for the programme of replacement that began in 2015, but it is now time for the complete decommissioning of aging and ‘clapped' out ambulances which should have no place in a modern National Ambulance Service that has a greater and more importance role in the delivery of health services than ever before.'
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The National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA) today (Weds. 26 th April) expressed support for calls from Gardai and Prison Officers for the introduction of mandatory sentences for those convicted of assault on their members and other frontline emergency workers.
NASRA National Chairman, Michael Dixon said NASRA was joining in the call on the Government to introduce legislation that would finally send a clear and unambiguous message that it is unacceptable that paramedics and ambulance staff, firefighters , Gardai and prison officers can be assaulted in the course of carrying out their vital emergency and public safety roles.
‘All of the indications and experience of emergency staff on the ground is that the current deterrents against assault on front line workers are no longer working. It is no longer sufficient for ambulances to simple carry signs warning of the consequences of assault on ambulance crews. We need far more support from the Government and mandatory sentencing that says that any assault on frontline staff in the course of their duty is unacceptable and will not be tolerated .'
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Restoration of pay and conditions demanded at annual delegate meeting
The National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA) said today (Friday 21 st April) that a reduction in the retirement age from the current 67/68 years of age (for post 2010 recruits) to 62 and the restoration of all salary cuts and deductions for current staff and new entrants are among the key demands for paramedics to the Public Sector Pay Commission.
Speaking at NASRA‘s annual delegate meeting in Carlow, NASRA National Chairman, Michael Dixon described the current retirement age for paramedics as ‘punishing'.
