Frontline ambulance worker and pregnant

[Wordie]

Hi everyone,

I work on emergency ambulances in a very rough area of Manchester. I found out I was pregnant on Saturday. I’m not 100% on my dates but am between 5 - 7 weeks pregnant. The ambulance service encourages female staff to tell them immediately if pregnant, so they can be taken off the road and put on light duties. However, most people wait till at least 15 weeks to say anything. You would think paramedics are understanding and caring but actually they can all be quite judgemental and I feel they would be quite bitchy about me coming off the road so early. Plus, I had a miscarriage last cycle at 5 weeks, so didn’t want to say anything too early in case it went wrong. I decided to wait until I was 10 weeks, as I have 3 weeks annual leave so would start light duties at 13 but tonight I’ve had 3 drug users, all with Hep c and and some with HIV. I’ve just spent 30 minutes on my own with a patient and when we got to hospital, I’ve been told that he is on bail for raping a nurse last week!!!! I feel so upset and angry. I’m used to dealing with it but now feel vulnerable.

Am I being stupid by not coming off frontline straight away? Anyone else work in the emergency services and in a similar situation??

Please be kind.

Thank you for all off your replies. You are all right, I think I was putting it off because they idea of being stuck on station and not going out is boring, but after last night’s shift. I would rather be bored and safe, than put myself in dangerous situations.

Tonight I’m on another night shift but then have 6 days off. I’m going to finish my final shift, then in the morning, when manager arrives, I will tell them.

Paramedic here.
Went on light duties as soon as I knew (2 days after missed period!)
This is the time to put yourself first, and middle fingers up to anyone else.
It felt very strange though because folk are congratulating you and prior to the scan you don't really know if or what you're celebrating!

I'd tell them. I know the feeling of trying to keep going and not have any excuses. I got punched by a patient at work today, I'm 6 months pregnant and it's really brought home how strongly I feel about protecting myself and bump! Thankfully I wasn't injured. Work has to work around you. Good luck and thanks for the work you do xxx