Ambulance uniforms not fit for purpose, warns union

A UNISON survey has found that some ambulance staff are having to deal with emergencies while wearing uniforms that don’t fit properly and aren’t always visible to other drivers.

Based on responses from more than 1,000 ambulance workers, the findings follow a motion debated at the union’s annual health conference in Liverpool, which highlighted how uniforms provided to emergency crews by most NHS ambulance trusts are unfit for purpose and could be putting workers in extra danger.

It also points out that most uniforms are varying shades of green, which tend to blend into the background. This contravenes regulations for workers near roadways that require them to wear hi-vis protective clothing when near moving vehicles. In fact, nearly a quarter of ambulance staff do not feel visible to other drivers when on the roadside wearing their uniform.

One in five ambulance staff who responded to the survey say their employer has never carried out a review of ambulance uniforms. Two thirds agreed or strongly agreed that their uniform was too hot in summer, whilst four in ten conceded that it was too cold in winter.

UNISON is campaigning for kit to be redesigned so it meets the requirements of all ambulance workers.

Sara Gorton, head of health at UNISON, said: “Ambulance employees work in all sorts of situations and weathers. It’s worrying that staff are wearing uniforms that are not fit for purpose or that put them at risk. This is especially troubling given the overwhelming job pressures they’re facing. Ambulance workers need properly fitting kit that keeps them safe, comfortable and doesn’t make their roles even more dangerous. All trusts should be carrying out reviews as a matter of urgency.”