Managers must support crews

West Midlands Ambulance Service has been taking our vehicles over the border for some time. However, we don't appear to get many of theirs over here.

I am sure some of these cases are emergencies but I also know a lot are not, as demonstrated by Steve Jetley (Starmail, August 3).

We are not getting the service we deserve.

A few weeks ago, after midnight, there were just three members of staff working out of Donnington Station. These staffing levels are dangerous, not just for the people of Shropshire, but for the crews too. Gaps are filled using the St John Ambulance - volunteer first aiders who do not have the same skills as the qualified ambulance crews.

Ambulance crews regularly put their lives at risk in the line of duty. They are being called on to attend more and more violent incidents. Some have asked for stab vests. They have been told cuts must be made elsewhere, probably in training, if vests are to be issued.

A good number of staff are, or have been, on anti-depressant medication as a result of jobs they have attended, but get very little support from management. They are not encouraged to attend counselling and are rarely even "stood-down" following traumatic cases.

I know of a technician who, following a case involving the death of a child, was told by a more senior colleague: "It's part of the job, get on with it".

Management appear to only care about meeting Government targets. They must give staff the support, recognition and praise they deserve.

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