During Wednesday’s ambulance strike, a ministry of health has advised individuals to avoid contact sports and unnecessary car trips.
Will Quince stated that people should exercise “extreme caution” because of the interruption, and he would avoid running on slippery roads due to the increased danger.
Around 750 members of the armed services are being deployed to cover the strike in England and Wales.
Mr. Quince stated that ambulances must continue to respond to the most critical emergencies.
During the strikes, he advised people to avoid “risky action” without clarifying what he meant.
Asked about his remarks in an interview with Radio 5 Live, he responded, “If there is an activity that people are participating in tomorrow, such as contact sports, they may want to reconsider that.
When asked if people should run, he stated that this was not recommended “Extremely dangerous”, but added, “Would I run tomorrow if it was still icy? No, because doing so would involve additional danger “.
However, Downing Street refused to define “risky behavior,” with the prime minister’s spokesperson telling reporters, “I won’t get into a list.”
“We would never advise somebody to put themselves in danger on any particular day,” he continued.
Previously, Mr. Quince stated that ministers desired ambulances to attend to category 1 and 2 emergencies, such as cardiac arrests and strokes, during strikes. Stephen Barclay, secretary of health, will meet with unions later to review service levels.
Mr. Quince stated that military personnel would not be permitted to drive ambulances under blue lights, through red lights, or over the speed limit, but would assist ambulance personnel in transporting patients to A&E more swiftly.
Ahead of strike action, health officials have warned of “severe disruptions” and encouraged hospitals to free up beds by safely releasing patients.
In addition, they recommend that measures be taken to limit patient transfer times to no more than 15 minutes.
Taxi reservations
Mr. Quince said that for less severe conditions, NHS trusts will block-book taxis to get patients to the hospital, and “encourage patients to seek care by making their journeys whenever possible.”
Dr. John Martin, president of the College of Paramedics, warned members of parliament on Tuesday that for some patients, cabs are “far less safe” than ambulances.
He told the health committee of the House of Commons that pain treatment would not be available and that without an on-site medical assessment, some people might be transferred to the hospital unnecessarily.
During the strikes, the availability of ambulances will depend on local agreements between unions and NHS trusts.
Rachel Harrison, national secretary of the GMB, one of the striking unions, informed the committee that the majority of these agreements had been finalized.
She said that “life and limb” coverage would be universal, but that services would vary by region.
Wednesday’s demonstration will feature members of the Unison and Unite unions, in addition to the GMB. GMB members are scheduled to strike once more on December 28.
After being granted a below-inflation average 4.7% raise this year, the unions representing NHS personnel in England and Wales are asking for a raise.
According to Unison, there is “no alternative for trained ambulance professionals,” and the government’s reconsideration of NHS wages may have prevented action.
The walkout will follow strikes by nurses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland on Tuesday, who are taking their second day of action over pay this month.
