Sussex's ambulance service responds to vehicle safety concerns
The GMB union has written to its members at South East Coast Ambulance urging them to avoid ambulances built by Fiat
Last updated 24th Nov 2021
The ambulance service that covers Sussex and parts of Hampshire insists that it takes the safety of its staff and patients extremely seriously, amid safety fears raised about some of its vehicles.
The GMB Union claims the service is using 'bargain basement' vehicles built by Fiat which have a 'significant safety flaw'.
The union alleges staff are being put at risk as the seat positions can be moved so staff and patients can't properly position their seatbelts.
A health and safety assessment put together by the GMB suggests incorrectly fitted seatbelts can lead to 'severe injury including decapitation.'
It's now calling for the use of the vehicles to be banned until an independent review into their safety is completed.
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.
“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.
In a statement, South East Coast Ambulance Service said:
""We take the safety of our staff & patients extremely seriously & have established processes for staff to raise any concerns about our fleet."
"All our ambulances are built in line with national specifications.
"The seat & seatbelt positions are unaltered as part of the ambulance conversion process which we review & ensure meets the service specification before authorising for use."