UK’s TASC launches ambulance staff crisis hotline

The 24-hour Ambulance Staff Crisis Phoneline will be accessible to all ambulance workers, regardless of job role, length of service, or employment in the public or private sector, across the UK. In a statement, TASC confirmed that ‘workers in the UK’s vast private and independent ambulance services are also able to access the Phoneline’.

The phoneline will provide in-the-moment support for callers, and will be staffed by qualified counselors who are experienced in working with ‘blue light’ service staff, supported by clinicians. Additionally, the service will provide long-term support to callers once they are safe and stable. This includes offering a five-session Collaborative Approach to Managing Suicide (CAMS) program.

The helpline was established using funding from NHS England, and co-designed by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE).

To access the service, call 0300 373 0898. More information regarding the helpline is also available on the TASC website (www.theasc.org.uk).

‘More needed to be done’

The phoneline was launched after a total of 213 ambulance workers contacted TASC about their suicidal thoughts in one year. Additionally, one in four of them were actively planning to take their own life. TASC also cited a study, by mental health charity Mind, that found that 77 per cent of ambulance staff reported that their mental health has declined since the pandemic.

“Over the years, we’ve seen an increasing number of people coming to TASC because they’re experiencing suicidal thoughts,” explained Angie Crashley, TASC’s Wellbeing Support Manager. “It’s also not just staff out on the road, such as paramedics, who are struggling – 15 per cent of the people who spoke to us work in an ambulance call/dispatch centre and 10 per cent are managers.”

“Many people come to us because we’re an independent source of ongoing support, but it was clear that more needed to be done to provide additional in-the-moment help, as well as services that were specifically tailored to people feeling suicidal,” she added.

Daren Mochrie, AACE’s Chair and the CEO of North West Ambulance Service welcomed the service, adding that: “The mental health and wellbeing of our employees and volunteers is a priority for AACE and all its constituent members. I am really pleased that this 24/7 service is now available for all our people to provide them with support when they are in need, alongside other local and national initiatives and interventions.”

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