Thieves were branded “extremely irresponsible” after stealing an ambulance while paramedics were busy treating a patient.
The disgraceful theft took place in Shotton, UK, where emergency respondents were called to tend to a sick patient on Saturday night.
While the paramedics were busy treating the patient, thieves stole their ambulance before damaging the vehicle and abandoning it at a nearby location.
As the authorities claimed after the incident, the “extremely irresponsible” theft could result in “very serious harm” if the paramedics required additional tools from the stolen vehicle to treat the patient or if they had to rush the patient to the hospital.
Following the theft, emergency services dispatched another vehicle to assist the paramedics. The stolen vehicle was later found damaged and abandoned.
“This is a very rare occurrence but is being treated incredibly seriously. The theft of an emergency ambulance is an extremely irresponsible act placing patients and the public at risk,” Bob Tooby of Welsh Ambulance Service said.
“Had the crew needed to access additional emergency equipment, or to urgently convey the patient to hospital, this could have led to very serious harm.
“Our services have been extremely busy dealing with winter pressures, alongside the challenges of the pandemic. We will be supporting our North Wales Police colleagues to find the person responsible, and bring them to justice.”
After the despicable act, the police have also requested help in identifying the thieves responsible and bringing them to justice.
“As a result, this has left the Ambulance service with one less emergency resource and ultimately putting people’s lives in danger,” North Wales Police said in a statement.
“North Wales Police are appealing to the public for any information with regards to who is responsible.”
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Replaced!