Responding on pre-alerts

Dear Member,

UNISON members are raising concerns around responding on non-coded “pre alert” calls using lights and sirens before knowing the actual severity of the call.

UNISON is urgently requesting a meeting to clarify the position especially taking into account the following statement issued by a deputy chief constable

“………… I do understand that a pre-alert response seeks to get the ambulance out on the road as quickly as possible to speed up response times for the public.  However the activation of emergency driving conditions must only be applied once it is believed that an emergency actually exists e.g communication from a call centre to indicate this.  I do appreciate that this aspect of the policy does appear to conflict with circumstances where a paramedic is lawfully required to drive under emergency conditions but this decision to drive in this manner is always the decision of the driver"………….

UNISON is aware that some guidance has been issued via Operational Update but we believe that a fully agreed policy is required to protect our members from facing potential criminal charges.

UNISON believes that member’s safety should be the priority and is asking the Trust to clarify its position as a matter of urgency. We also believe the trust should refrain from carrying out investigations against our members until such times as the situation is clear.