Smaller NHS ambulances seriously squeezed rescuers

Ambulance staff claim that they do not know how to drive a new rolling stock due to its height or body shape.

Dozens of East England Rescue Service (EEAST) staff said they could not operate the Fiat Ducato vans they brought in to replace those produced by Mercedes, the BBC reports.

An EEAST review found that 94 ambulance crews were too large to fit comfortably in vehicles introduced three years ago as part of The NHS is standardizing its fleet across funds.

Some of the problems reported include back pain, shins hitting the dashboard, and poor visibility through the windshield.

One employee told the BBC they could not use the pedal or steering wheel safely as there was not enough space.

Some old vehicles preserved as a reserve

An EEAST spokesman said the fleet was deployed after “extensive trials with colleagues and consultation with staff, unions, patients and carers’ groups”.

He said some Mercedes vehicles have been retained in the fleet for employees who are unable to fit into the Fiat Ducato, and options for a permanent solution are being explored.

He added: “Since its introduction, a small number of colleagues have expressed concerns about the cabin area, which is equivalent to the current national specification for ambulances.

“We have worked to address these issues, which affect a small proportion of our colleagues, by assessing independent ergonomics to identify possible vehicle changes.”

“Ambulances strictly tested”

A Fiat spokesman told the BBC: “In addition to all vehicles, Fiat Professional Ducato must adhere to European type-approval and Euro NCAP, a strict set of safety tests.

»The installation of seat belts is carried out in accordance with the rules set by the ECE14 and ECE16 standards.

“If these standards are not met, the vehicle cannot be approved and therefore sold. Fiat Professional vehicles, including the Ducat, are fully compliant with all laws. ”