Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSPlea to leave paramedics in peace on 'black Friday'
Unison is urging Christmas revellers to refrain from abusive and threatening behaviour towards paramedics attending call outs.
The union said ambulance staff refer to the Friday before Christmas as “black Friday” because of the increased number of calls and the violence, threats and abuse hurled at them by drunk workers who have been at office parties.
This year, with heavy snow forecast, the day will be even more difficult for those emergency staff.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The Friday before Christmas is the day that paramedics dread. It is shameful that ambulance crews, who are out 24/7 with the sole aim of saving lives and caring for the sick and injured, become the target of violence, intimidation and abuse.”
He said “I am appealing to the public today and every day to leave ambulance workers in peace. If not, the next time you dial 999, your lifesaving paramedic maybe out of action.”
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Readers' comments (1)
Anonymous | 18-Dec-2009 7:20 pm
hear hear, can we include nurses in this too please?
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