NEW 999 MEDICS WON’T KNOW HOW TO SAVE LIVES

machine but can’t interpret the result. So they can’t tell if someone is having a heart attack.

“They also can’t administer medication except oxygen and, under supervision, gas and air.

“They can’t give glyceryl trinitrate or aspirin for chest pains or even paracetamol for minor pain and temperatures.

“The new role isn’t even allowed to sit in the back of the ambulance unsupervised with a patient.”

The new intake started training in May and go on duty this month. They’ ll be paid several thousand pounds per year less than ambulance technicians.

Once they have completed the Level 3 qualification, staff do further training and a number of service hours to qualify as technicians.

The insider said the new init ial rank could lead to problems when crews are sent to difficult situations.

Our source said: “What abuse can they expect to face from family members watching a loved one receive no treatment from an ambulance worker?

“Meanwhile, senior crew will be covering and no doubt their stress levels will increase. It’s not the fault of the people coming through – it’s the way the service have set things up.”

Unison regional organiser David O’Connor said: “The idea of 1000 new paramedics is massively positive but we think it’s possibly being rushed in the way it’s being done.

“At the moment, there is a shared responsibility between paramedic and technician.

“We’re concerned these new technicians will be able to monitor people’s conditions but won’t be able to understand what they’re monitoring.

“The new technician will also not be able to sit in the back with a patient – they’ll only be able to drive the ambulance.

“We fear this is going to put a lot of pressure on existing staff for a period of time.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We’re recruiting and t raining addit ional f rontl ine staf f in record numbers as part of our strategy to enhance clinical skills and best meet the needs of patients.

“A student technician would normally drive in the early phase of placement while the experienced clinician provided care in the rear with the patient.”

The Scottish Government said: “We’ve provided an extra £5million in 2016-17 to support the training of additional paramedics.”

What abuse can they expect if people see a loved one get no treatment from an ambulance worker?