The operational members of our team have now received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine via the NHS and ambulance service. Like others who may receive it via a GP surgery or vaccination hub, it is a great relief, although we know it is does not provide any certainty that we cannot get the virus, but hopefully means that it would not be as bad as it would otherwise be.

Our members receive it because they are alongside frontline colleagues in the emergency services and are attending patients who may or may not be COVID positive from the moment we arrive. We use the available PPE but the knowledge that we have had the initial dose of vaccine does help how we feel walking in the door.

We also conduct twice weekly COVID lateral flow testing and report the results back into the national monitoring of tests. With testing, the vaccination and PPE we are as well protected as our ambulance service colleagues.

We all know, or should know by now, how virulent, debilitating and potentially fatal this virus is and that’s why, for us, it is so frustrating when we know some people are still not complying with the guidance and regulations. They are mixing and visiting others, going out for non-essential reasons or simply have a “it won’t happen to me” attitude. But of course,.... It might...and they may be passing it on to others more vulnerable, and not even have considered that.

We also see those who still do not know how to wear a face covering properly and do not cover their nose with it.

And Finally

As the light at the end of the tunnel grows bigger, we simply repeat the message

Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives

Stay Safe everyone.