As I wrote this, it’s 10pm, 30 degrees outside and we are on the night shift.
With temperatures soaring and extreme heat warnings, Ambulance service staff are working 12 hour shifts outdoors, and often in vehicles and houses without adequate air conditioning or ventilation.

We could be stuck outside on jobs for a number of hours without relief, or even stuck in a property that is not ventilated treating a patient again for a number of hours, all without the option of cool refreshments or replenished water bottles unless taken off the road and unavailable to attend emergencies, delaying patient care and treatment. 

If we can wear short sleeve T-shirts and have our arms exposed, why can’t we have shorts as standard uniform in hot conditions, just for that little bit of extra heat relief. 

Staff morale is at an all time low as it is, without the added pressures of dehydration and heat exhaustion worries. 

If we can make one small change, staff would feel much better and perform their duties without worry or mistakes from confusion and exhaustion. 

With this in mind, if one service could review their uniform, there is potential for all other services to be aware and also have their uniforms reviewed for weather conditions. 

Please support your NHS family and help us create a change for better welfare whilst working. 

Thank you for taking the time to read, awareness helps make changes! �