Updated 31 Jan
Across dates in February ambulance workers, including paramedics and call handlers, are set to strike in UK. The impact upon services will vary by region, but extensive disruption is expected. The BBC has guidance on what ambulances will respond to during this time.
Careium is fully staffed and operating as normal, but we are likely to be very busy during these times as there will be a knock-on effect and demand for our services. Our plans to ensure we can respond to people when they need us are:
- Life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest, will still be escalated to an ambulance.
- Asking for no pendant testing please on days of strikes.
- If you need help, we will engage next of kin/contacts where we can, instead of ambulance.
- If you have no contacts and are low medical risk, we will explore police welfare checks.
- If next of kin is on-site and you require medical attention, please call an ambulance direct.
- Our mobile response teams are fully staffed and operating as normal.
- If you are able to travel to hospital yourself, please consider doing so as there is likely to be considerable delays.
We are pleased to report that during the strike in Jan we answered 100% of emergency alarm calls in 180 secs. However, if you do experience any delay in contacting us, we would like to apologise in advance for circumstances outside our control.