Research from UNISON has found that 91 percent of ambulance workers are under stress. The poll of nearly 3000 ambulance workers also revealed that 74 percent are experiencing sleep problems, 72 percent are feeling irritable as a result and experiencing mood swings, and 56 percent are experiencing anxiety. Over four in five (82 percent) had considered leaving their jobs as a result of workplace pressure, according to the UNISON survey.

Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind, said: “This data reveals the worrying scale of stress among ambulance workers, and echoes our own findings which revealed the extent of stress and mental health problems across all emergency services personnel. Our ambulance workers play a vital role in society and do an incredibly challenging role, day in, day out. When times get tough it’s vital that there are measures in place to support them. But the high amount of respondents experiencing stress, stress-related sickness absence and considering leaving their jobs because of the pressure all indicate that there isn’t currently enough support to help our paramedics stay well.

“Last month Mind launched its Blue Light Programme with £4m funding from the Cabinet Office. Over the next year we will be supporting emergency services staff and volunteers across ambulance, police, fire and search and rescue personnel with tailored programmes of support. The Blue Light Infoline is now available and offers dedicated information and support for emergency service staff, volunteers and their families. As well as increasing support for staff, we also want to see employers take responsibility for staff wellbeing. Organisations can show their commitment to prioritising staff mental health by signing the Blue Light pledge.”