They helped to save my life only eight months ago. And this was the first time I could say “thank you” face to face.
It’s a crying shame that I had planned to do so on the picket line of striking ambulance workers.
Even worse, that the paramedics to whom I wished to give heartfelt thanks, on my behalf and everyone else’s, were on an emergency call.
As I shlepped to the depot from Skipton bus station, the ambulance roared past at high speed.
I wondered: What poor devil is in such a life-threatening state that people would feel compelled to undermine their own industrial action to save life?
The experience brought back memories of that frightening afternoon in mid-May when I suffered an aortic dissection, and had to be taken first to Bradford Royal and then Leeds General Infirmary for all-night surgery.
In and out of consciousness, I just remember the loud clamour of the siren, the comforting words of the paramedic and the swerving, jolting ride through rush-hour traffic.
And these dedicated people do this for a fraction of the money that PM Rich Rishi regards as small change.
I hope this will do as my thanks to all ambulance crews. That call-out was more important, like the job they do.
Most blame No10
More people blame No10 than unions for the winter strikes, an online poll said.
An exclusive Opinium survey of 2,000 people found 41% believe the Conservatives are responsible, 35% say unions and 11% blame employers.
The study for Compassion in Politics also showed 65% of Tory voters said the unions were to blame for walkouts compared with 13% of Labour voters.
The think tank’s Jennifer Nadel said No10 must “engage with the unions”.
NHS festive plea
The NHS Medical Director has pleaded with people not to get “blind drunk” at Christmas parties and end up needing hospital treatment during the strikes.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis told the BBC: “It’s the season of parties so do enjoy yourself but obviously don’t get so drunk that you end up with an unnecessary visit to A&E.
“That’s good advice at the best of times and certainly on today when we know that services are stretched.”
