Military personnel are set to assist the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) as workers from the GMB and Unite unions go on strike next Monday and Tuesday over pay disputes.
EMAS confirmed that up to 20 military colleagues will help with driving vehicles and moving less seriously ill patients, but they will not respond to emergency 999 calls. Director of Operations Ben Holdaway described the strikes as "very challenging" and emphasised the priority of providing emergency care.
Up to half of EMAS's 4,000 workforce are members of the GMB union. Exemptions have been agreed for staff at accident and emergency departments and control room operators to attend life-threatening calls and answer 999 calls during the walkout.
Patients have been warned of potential ambulance delays on strike days due to fewer available vehicles. Holdaway urged the public to use services wisely and to make their own way to treatment centres or hospitals if possible, to free up ambulances for those in critical need.
This is not the first time EMAS has requested military support; similar assistance was sought in January 2022 during high demand and staff absences due to Covid-19.
