Military being drafted in to help Wiltshire's ambulance service amid extreme pressure
South Western Ambulance says a small number of personnel will be used to get vehicles back on the road
The military is being drafted in to help ease extreme pressure on the ambulance service that covers Wiltshire.
South Western Ambulance says a small number of personnel are being used to get more vehicles back on the road.
Bosses say that will allow them to get patients the urgent care and treatment they need sooner.
News of the extra support has been revealed just weeks after the trust declared a 'critical incident'.
SWASFT recorded its busiest week in history in July, with a call being taken every 26 seconds.
Speaking recently, call handler Ella said the rising demand is taking its toll:
"It's five in the morning and I've just finished probably my worst shift that I've ever had.
"We're all exhausted - everyone in the control room taking calls. We're absolutely knackered trying to get help out to so many patients. I think we're up 30% on the number of calls that we normally take".
Kitty is a dispatcher and recently said the team are facing rising levels of abuse as well as rising demand:
"Most recently a patient told me that all of our staff are worthless and deserve to be shot.
"While this is upsetting for obvious reasons, it's also really disheartening to think that people don't even value the service that we provide to them.
"If I had one thing that I wish all of our callers and patients knew it would just be that we're all humans. We are just as upset by the level of demand we're facing as the rest of the general public is - in fact, maybe even more so".
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has released a statement about the help being received from the military.
Assistant Director of Operations, Wayne Darch, said:
"With the NHS in the South West facing increasing demand we are using tried and tested methods to alleviate pressures on services so everyone will continue to get the care they need.
"This includes a small number of military personnel to help us get more of our vehicles back on the road, getting people the urgent care and treatment they need sooner.
"If you are worried about your health but it is not an emergency, please use 111 online to be directed to the best service for your needs".