Corfu Ambulance Service has only 2-3 ambulances available in both summer and winter
ambulance
30 Aug 2021
/ 15:09
CORFU. The road accident on Saturday highlighted the problems faced by the ambulance service (EKAB) yet again.
The significant problems faced by Corfu Ambulance Service (EKAB) remain unresolved. The road accident in Triklino on Saturday, when it took almost an hour for an ambulance to arrive, yet again highlighted the serious difficulties and lack of resources faced by the service.
The issues include insufficient personnel and ambulances; the need for ambulances to be repaired and maintained within this region; personnel needs to be recruited for the establishment of a base in North Corfu; the telephone centre to return to Corfu from Ioannina and the establishment of a haemodynamic laboratory at Corfu Hospital to avoid the almost daily transfers to other hospitals using the local ambulances.
"We need more amblances, especially in the summer,"Corfu Ambulance Workers Union President Christos Kypriotis told Enimerosi. "In summer the population on the island is approximately 400,000 and in winter 110,000. There needs to be 1 ambulance per 25,000 population. We should have 5 ambulances available on each shift, whereas we have 2 -3 in both summer and winter."
At least another 15 personnel needed
According to Mr. Kypriotis, the greatest problem being faced by the service is the need to recruit more personnel so that a base can be set up in North Corfu. At the moment there is a total of 34 personnel to cover 3 shifts 24 hours a day, who have to cover all the needs - at least another 15 people are required. This can also be seen in the fact that South Corfu Ambulance Service shifts are very often covered by staff from Corfu Town due to lack of personnel.
"There are constant delays in getting to incidents which can sometimes even result in the loss of lives," he added. "We don't, however, see any willingness to provide help. We are probably the most neglected service in Corfu."
Rush to get vaccinated
Mr. Kypriotis stressed that there are very few workers who haven't been vaccinated as, over the last few days, more and more have been hurrying to get their shots. He said that the situation will be clearer after 1 September when health workers who are unvaccinated will be suspended.
The issues include insufficient personnel and ambulances; the need for ambulances to be repaired and maintained within this region; personnel needs to be recruited for the establishment of a base in North Corfu; the telephone centre to return to Corfu from Ioannina and the establishment of a haemodynamic laboratory at Corfu Hospital to avoid the almost daily transfers to other hospitals using the local ambulances.
"We need more amblances, especially in the summer,"Corfu Ambulance Workers Union President Christos Kypriotis told Enimerosi. "In summer the population on the island is approximately 400,000 and in winter 110,000. There needs to be 1 ambulance per 25,000 population. We should have 5 ambulances available on each shift, whereas we have 2 -3 in both summer and winter."
At least another 15 personnel needed
According to Mr. Kypriotis, the greatest problem being faced by the service is the need to recruit more personnel so that a base can be set up in North Corfu. At the moment there is a total of 34 personnel to cover 3 shifts 24 hours a day, who have to cover all the needs - at least another 15 people are required. This can also be seen in the fact that South Corfu Ambulance Service shifts are very often covered by staff from Corfu Town due to lack of personnel.
"There are constant delays in getting to incidents which can sometimes even result in the loss of lives," he added. "We don't, however, see any willingness to provide help. We are probably the most neglected service in Corfu."
Rush to get vaccinated
Mr. Kypriotis stressed that there are very few workers who haven't been vaccinated as, over the last few days, more and more have been hurrying to get their shots. He said that the situation will be clearer after 1 September when health workers who are unvaccinated will be suspended.
