Following on from the news yesterday of a theft from the ambulance in Newport on Sunday evening, the police have provided an update.
As we mentioned yesterday the one item that was still missing from the theft was a syringe. What has been revealed today is that the syringe contained a controlled drug.
Paramedic crew from Isle of Wight Ambulance Service had been called to an incident where the casualty that had fallen and there was protracted and difficult access. This resulted in the ambulance crew being assisted by HM Coastguard.
Police investigating incident
Steve Nolan from the IW NHS told VB, “It was when gaining access to the casualty and away from the 999 emergency vehicle, that a number of items from the ambulance were disturbed. A stock-take of the equipment indicates a drawn syringe containing a controlled drug, that had been prepared for use on the casualty, was taken.
“The incident was immediately reported to the police who are currently investigating the matter.”
“Believed to be the first of its kind”
The incident resulted in the ambulance being taken out of service that evening and is believed to be the first of its kind.
Steve continued, “We rely on the trust and support of the general public and this is a very disturbing incident for the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
“The vehicle had to be taken out of use and it is important to remember that incidents of this nature not only affect the patient at the incident but also other patients who may have required the Ambulance Service that evening.
“If a member of the public comes across the syringe, please contact the Isle of Wight NHS on 01983- 524081 and ask for the on call Health & Safety Manager or alternatively, call the Police on 101 and safe collection of the syringe will be arranged.”
Image: Andreas Rueda abacus-derek-coestzeunder CC BY 2.0
