THIRST AID
Three accused of downing free drink samples on duty at BBC Good Food Show
to reach Smith but received no reply.
Ambulance Scotland director Paul Kenny said: “We wish to express how extremely disappointed we are in the actions of three of our first aid staff at the food and drink show held at the SEC.
“Ambulance Scotland have a zerotolerance policy on consumption of alcohol whilst on shift.
“While building relationships with exhibitors at the Saturday show, three of our first aid team admitted to taking one sample of alcohol each. These were the samples on show and they were in the form of a very small taste cup.
“The staff in question were immediately removed from their duties and sent on suspension pending further investigation.
“After a thorough investigation, the three staff were dealt with appropriately following our disciplinary procedures.”
MasterChef host John Torode, Edinburgh chef Tom Kitchin and 2015 Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain were among the stars to attend the show last month.
An SEC spokesman said: “The venue is aware that three first-aiders were removed from our site during this event and subsequent disciplinary action was taken.”
Ambulance Scotland were awarded contracts with the owners of the SSE Hydro arena in Glasgow in March.
They have also provided private ambulances for the NHS.
But they have come under fire after being accused of using unqualified staff.
We told in July how one medic said they had worked with staff previously sacked from the Scottish Ambulance Service.