Support the Introduction of Non-Driving Paramedics on Double-Crewed Ambulances (DCA) within South Western Ambulance Service (SWAST)

Petition:
We, the undersigned, call on South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWAST) to support and expand the use of non-driving paramedics on Double-Crewed Ambulances (DCA).

Background:
Paramedics within SWAST are highly trained clinicians whose primary role is to deliver safe, effective, and timely patient care. However, current operational models often require paramedics to divide their responsibilities between driving and clinical duties.

Introducing greater flexibility within DCA crews would ensure that clinical expertise is consistently prioritised, supporting SWAST’s commitment to delivering high-quality patient care across the region.

Workforce Inclusion and Reasonable Adjustments:
This petition highlights the importance of supporting paramedics who lose their driving capability due to medical or other legitimate reasons.

We believe that, where clinically and operationally appropriate, enabling paramedics within SWAST to work in non-driving roles on Double-Crewed Ambulances should be considered a reasonable adjustment, rather than grounds for termination of employment.

This approach would:

Retain highly skilled and experienced clinicians within SWAST
Promote fairness and inclusivity in line with NHS values and employment principles
Reduce the loss of experienced staff from the workforce
Support staff wellbeing, morale, and retention
This petition does not seek to remove driving responsibilities entirely, but to introduce reasonable flexibility where required—ensuring that paramedics who are unable to drive can continue to contribute safely and effectively in a clinical capacity.

Why This Matters:
Expanding the use of non-driving paramedics within SWAST would:

Allow paramedics to focus fully on patient care
Improve clinical outcomes through enhanced assessment and intervention
Enhance patient safety during transport
Make better use of advanced clinical training and experience
Strengthen workforce resilience and retention across the Trust
What We Are Asking For:
We urge SWAST leadership to:

Review current DCA staffing models within the Trust
Increase the availability of non-driving paramedic roles where appropriate
Recognise loss of driving capability as a situation where reasonable adjustments should be actively considered
Ensure workforce planning prioritises patient care and optimal clinical skill mix
Engage with frontline staff when designing and implementing staffing structures
Conclusion:
Patient care should always come first. By supporting non-driving paramedics on DCAs—particularly as a reasonable adjustment for those who lose driving capability—SWAST can ensure that valuable clinical expertise is retained and used where it matters most: at the patient’s side.

Sign this petition to support better patient care, fair employment practices, and a more inclusive South Western Ambulance Service.