Ambulance strike: Paramedics and others walk out in England and Wales – BBC News
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Summary
- Tens of thousands of ambulance staff, including paramedics and operators, strike in England and Wales over pay dispute
- The impact will vary by region, but significant disruption is expected and NHS chiefs have warned that patient safety is at risk
- Ambulances will still respond to life-threatening situations, but for everything else the NHS has advised people to use 111 online
- The public has been told to take extra care, drink responsibly and contact vulnerable family and friends
- Around 750 members of the armed forces have been drafted in to help and some will drive patients with less urgent conditions to and from hospital
- The strike involves members of Unison, Unite and GMB unions who want a pay rise above inflation – but the government has said no
- Not all unions strike at the same times and the East of England Ambulance Service is not planning to strike at all
- Live reporting
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