Military Steps In to Rescue NHS Ambulance Crisis in Wales
The UK’s armed forces are back on the frontline – but this time, they’re swapping guns for ambulances. Facing unprecedented Covid pressures, Welsh health services have called in military reinforcements.
Royal Navy and RAF Join the Ambulance Effort
Fifty sailors and airmen from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are the newest volunteers, joining 50 British Army soldiers already driving ambulances across Wales. Together, 129 military personnel support the NHS: 100 are ambulance drivers, while 29 provide vital support roles.
The Welsh Ambulance Service trained the troops to handle emergency calls, vehicles, and equipment. Their role? Assisting with patient handling – but no medical treatment beyond what a paramedic might request from a bystander.
Serving Those Who Serve: Military Voices
Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Adrian Davies said: “We’re here to train with the NHS Welsh Ambulance Service and help out in any way we can, in a non-clinical role. It’s a very worthwhile cause.“Working together with the other services is great, we’ve come together well. I’ll be stationed in Cardigan on the West coast and looking forward to working alongside professional paramedics.”
Lieutenant Commander Graeme ‘Geordie’ McCutcheon, a 52-year-old pilot from Cornwall, added: “When I heard they were looking for volunteers, I didn’t hesitate. I’ve volunteered in the community for years, and the NHS does incredible work. If they need help, I’m happy to step up.”
Military Aid in the Pandemic: A Lifeline for Welsh Ambulance Service
This marks the third time the military has supported the Welsh Ambulance Service during Covid under the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) scheme. Over 200 British Army soldiers have helped by driving and decontaminating ambulances during Operation Rescript.
Across the UK, some 20,000 military personnel have been part of the ‘COVID Support Force’, backing public services through the pandemic.
Lee Brooks, Director of Operations at the Trust, praised the military’s vital role: “We’re proud and grateful to have the military working alongside us once again. They did a superb job on two previous occasions last year. Their support lets us put more ambulances on the roads and get to more patients faster during extreme pressure.”
He added: “They’ll team up with our clinicians on emergency ambulances, covering the full range of calls. Winter is our busiest time – military support boosts capacity, helping us provide a safe service for the people of Wales.”
