At least 40 employees of the 061 – the Spanish public health emergency organisation – staged a protest in Granada last week at the opening of four disciplinary cases.  Two EMS workers, a doctor and a health and safety representative are central to the situation which concerns “safety deficiencies” in the operation of the helicopter based at Baza, in the north of the province of Granada in southern Spain.

The protest began 8am last Monday at the headquarters of 061 in the CMAT technology park, with people arriving in batches with food and tents for the night.  One issue was to do with unsecured oxygen bottles and other items carried on the helicopter, when the workers reported as “potentially dangerous” and that they considered 061 had made no action to remedy the situation.

Meanwhile the four consider they were doing the right thing in wanting to safeguard the patients, and to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the service.  Their employers, however, say that the four were not competent to make the decision to immobilize the helicopter, and may thus have “jeopardized patient care.”.  The employees are countering this with claims of records being removed.  There is no mention in local press reports of any implication or level of involvement of the helicopter operator.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com