SIPTU expresses safety concerns for Drogheda ambulance crews after base intrusion
SIPTU representatives have raised safety concerns for National Ambulance Service members based in Drogheda, County Louth, following the discovery of an intruder at their base on Sunday (20th May) morning.
SIPTU Organiser, John McCamley, said: “The intruder was confronted by ambulance personnel and left without further incident after the gardai were called. Security issues around access to the ambulance base were raised in 2016 but no action has been taken to rectify the situation.
“On Friday (18th May) night, a paramedic was also assaulted in the town centre of Drogheda. The paramedic was taken to hospital with minor injuries and is still out of work. The gardaí were also called to this incident.”
He added: “Members of the National Ambulance Service carry out difficult and challenging work. Incidents, where staff are placed in dangerous situations, need to be adequately addressed, this must include the carrying out of proper risk assessments and close coordination with the gardaí. At the very minimum, security concerns raised by crew representatives need to be given priority and addressed as a matter of urgency.”