Welsh Ambulance Service unveils new fleet workshop; Student medics deal with simulated ‘zombie attack’

Every weekday morning we bring you the sector’s freshest news stories, starting today with the news that the Welsh Ambulance Service has unveiled a new fleet workshop in Merthyr Tydfil which has a sustainability focus.

There’s also a story on how Bournemouth University medical students recently dealt with the aftermath of an apparent zombie attack in an underground car park.

Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back daily to stay abreast of the latest goings on in the emergency services sector.

Soon you will be able to get the daily digest straight into your inbox, but for now, be sure to register for the weekly digest out every Friday.

Welsh Ambulance Service unveils new fleet workshop focused on sustainability

The Welsh Ambulance Service has unveiled a new fleet workshop in Merthyr Tydfil. The site features eight electric WAST vehicle charging facilities, including two dual 75kW Pod Point superchargers, making it WAST’s first site to accommodate these high-speed chargers.

These fast chargers, along with other investments such as solar paneling aligns with the Trust’s vision of reducing its carbon footprint and moving towards carbon neutrality. More via Emergency Services Times

Gwent Police officers to face gross misconduct proceedings over allegations of sharing offensive messages

Two Gwent Police officers and one former officer will face gross misconduct proceedings following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the sharing of offensive WhatsApp messages. More via IOPC

Fire Brigades Union welcomes Welsh Government’s opposition to ‘minimum service levels’

The Fire Brigades Union has welcomed Welsh Government opposition to Westminster’s new minimum service levels regulations for the fire and rescue service.

In a letter to fire minister Chris Philp, Hannah Blythyn, Welsh Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, has condemned the Act as an “unworkable intrusion into devolved matters”, describing the legislation as “fundamentally flawed, damaging and counter-productive”. More via Fire Brigades Union

Government bans more synthetic opioids to protect communities

The UK Government has banned 15 additional synthetic opioids, in line with fentanyl, to prevent drug related deaths in the UK and ensure anyone caught supplying these substances faces tough penalties.

From yesterday, the opioids, including 14 nitazenes, are now controlled as Class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, following advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). More via Home Office

David Domoney joins forces with Air Ambulances UK as new ambassador

Air Ambulances UK has announced the appointment of David Domoney, acclaimed television presenter for Plants and Nature, as an Ambassador. In this role, David will help to raise awareness of the vital work undertaken by air ambulance charities across the UK. More via Emergency Services Times

Ofcom launches investigation into Vonage over 999 access

Ofcom has launched an investigation into cloud communications provider, Vonage. This follows an incident resulting in disruption for its business customers to emergency call services during October and November 2023.

Ofcom rules require providers to take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency organisations as part of any call services offered. More via Ofcom

Bournemouth University student medics deal with simulated ‘zombie attack’

Medical students have been dealing with the aftermath of an apparent zombie attack in an underground car park.

However, the “major incident simulation event” involved first year Bournemouth University students in special effects make up and not the real walking dead. More via BBC News

Lancashire fire service chief speaks out as staff abused for fasting

A fire service chief has slammed those abusing non-Muslim staff for fasting during the month of Ramadan, as part of a community campaign.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue teams posted an image on social media saying they were supporting the ‘I am not a Muslim but I will fast for one day’. More via The Bolton News