I am a paramedic on strike today. AMA

[ParamedicOnStrike]

Hi from the freezing cold picket line. Any questions related to the strike, the current state of the NHS or general paramedicing feel free to ask.

Disclaimer: obviously answers are based on my own opinions and experiences. They may not be the same for other paramedics/EMTs or in other trusts.

How much do you get paid, and ow much do you think you should get paid, taking into account NHS pension and sick leave etc.

Do you believe that a pay rise would solve the issues that you have with your workplace?

No questions just sending solidarity.

Ditto! Fully support the strikers

Should we bring you hot drinks?

Do you think that improving pay and conditions would have a positive impact upon recruitment and retention of staff, thus improving staffing levels, cutting response times, and saving lives?

Yes, I support you.

Totally support you.

I'm in the middle of Band 5 at the moment so I earn around £29,000 in basic salary plus around 10k of extras such as shift allowance and overtime (made up of overtime I have to so and what I choose to do). Top standard paramedic salary (so, not an advanced paramedic or manager) is Band 6, top of which is about 40k plus the same 10k of extras.

I believe we are asking for about 5%. I don't personally have a specific number in mind.

Yes. It would aid with staff retention which will get more ambulances on the road.

Just want to say thanks for your hard work and the bravery to strike to make the service better

Thank you 😊

Thank you 😊

Your local picket line would absolutely over any hot drinks or sweet snacks you have to spare, but just a wave and a kind word is more than enough

Just sending solidarity. DCs partner is on the picket line too.

Simple answer, yes. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't truly believe that.

Thank you 😊

What are your basic contracted hours, how do your shifts pan out, and what do you mean by “overtime you have to do”?

You're welcome. Contrary to the beliefs of some people, we're doing it for you as well as for us.

another one with no questions, just thank you for what you do, and sending you lots of love and support

Hope they are keeping warm!

Christ I never thought your pay was that low.

I don’t agree with strikes tbh especially medical, but I guess I can see why you’re doing it.

I just wish the innocent wasn’t caught in the conflict

Just wanted to say you deserve a decent living wage and better working conditions for the tough job you do.

Do you think there's potentially a valid case for manslaughter against the ambulance service? Not saying that's what I think - I heard someone else ask the question and it got me thinking 🤔

I'm full time, the usual 37.5 hours a week but as I do 12 hour shifts it's pro rata. Some people are part time, we have really good flexibility for that and for family friendly rotas. At least we do in my trust.

Every shift is different!

Overtime I have to do means in basic terms if my shift ends while I'm still on a call, I'm staying!

❤️