More ambulance drivers needed

THE Balearics is having to overcome a shortfall of 300 ambulance drivers when compared to more developed countries, said the President of the Ambulance Association, José María Ruiz, during a presentation of the new training school in Palma yesterday. The islands do however have enough ambulances to cover the basic requirements of the health system. According to established criteria, developed countries should have two ambulances and 10 ambulance workers per 10'000 inhabitants. Currently there are 700 ambulance workers in the Balearics, but in fact 1'000 are needed, not to mention extra support during the peak seasons, the President of the Ambulance Association confirmed. This association now has the first centre for authorised training for Ambulance Drivers in Spain. The qualification from this centre will not be required for current ambulance workers, but it will be demanded from all those joining the profession from now. The courses are free and financed by the Ministry for Work and Training.