Military Steps In to Back Up NHS Ambulances Amid Covid Crisis
With Covid pushing health services to breaking point, the military is stepping in to help. Fifty Royal Navy and Royal Air Force volunteers have joined 50 British Army soldiers already driving ambulances across Wales. This marks the second wave of military support to tackle unprecedented demand on the NHS.
129 Military Personnel Backing Welsh Ambulance Service
In total, 129 armed forces staff are now supporting the NHS in Wales. One hundred are behind the wheel of ambulances, while 29 serve in vital support roles.
The Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust has trained military personnel on emergency callouts and vehicle operations, ensuring they’re ready to hit the streets.
Non-Clinical Roles, Full Support
Military drivers will assist with patient handling but won’t provide clinical treatment beyond what paramedics might request from the public. 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.”
Davies, stationed in Cardigan, praised the teamwork: “Working together with the other services here is great, it’s a good mix.”
Volunteers Eager to Give Back
Lieutenant Commander Graeme ‘Geordie’ McCutcheon, a 52-year-old pilot from Cornwall, volunteered to drive non-emergency ambulances. He said: “When I heard they were looking for volunteers, I didn’t hesitate. I like to make time to see how I can give something back to the community.”
His past volunteer roles include school governor and Scout leader. On helping the NHS, he added: “This is such a worthwhile cause and you can’t beat the NHS for the amazing work they do.”
Ongoing Military Support to NHS During Pandemic
This is the third time the military have backed the Welsh Ambulance Service during Covid as part of the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA). Over 200 British Army soldiers have already been involved driving and decontaminating ambulances in Operation Rescript.
Across the UK, some 20,000 military personnel have supported public services during the crisis as part of the COVID Support Force.
Lee Brooks, Director of Operations for the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “We’re proud and grateful to have the military working alongside us once again. Having our Armed Forces colleagues back on board will help us put more ambulances on duty so we can get to more patients, more quickly, while extreme pressure continues.”
He added: “The winter period is our busiest time, and military support will bolster our capacity to provide a safe, reliable service to the people of Wales.”
