The Unión Sindical Obrera de Canarias (USO-Canarias) has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating state of ambulances in Tenerife, describing the situation as “potentially dangerous for both emergency technicians and patients”.
The union has warned of the problem for months, highlighting various serious deficiencies in the ambulance fleet, which threaten the safety and effectiveness of emergency services on the island.
According to USO, the ambulances have a range of critical issues, including faulty braking systems, broken windows, dents, and the absence of essential features like air conditioning and anti-tipping mechanisms for stretchers. These conditions, the union argues, are so severe that many vehicles would fail the mandatory roadworthiness test (ITV) required by Spanish law.
Jonathan González, the provincial manager of USO for health transport and a member of Tasisa, the contracted service provider, expressed deep concern about the ongoing decline in vehicle safety and the shortage of necessary medical supplies. He pointed out the dangerous lack of critical drugs, such as morphine, which is vital for pain management in severely ill patients during transport to the hospital.
USO employees describe the current state of ambulances in the island as "third world," a term they use to underscore the gravity of the situation. The union criticises the company’s management, accusing it of neglect and failing to adhere to contractual obligations, while the regional administration appears to overlook these violations.
USO holds both the contracting companies and political leaders responsible for the poor state of the ambulance service. The union has repeatedly sought meetings with Noemí González, the regional director of the Canary Emergency Service (SUC), which falls under the Canary Islands Government’s Ministry of Health. However, their requests have reportedly been ignored.
In response to the ongoing crisis, USO plans to seek an urgent meeting with Esther Monzón, the new Minister of Health for the Canary Islands. Jonathan González emphasised the critical nature of the issue, stating, "We are playing with the most important thing for a person, health and safety, while at the same time denying the most fundamental thing for workers, the fulfilment of the collective contract."
USO has also brought these concerns to the attention of the labour inspectorate, looking for their intervention to ensure that the company fulfils its contractual obligations and that the safety and well-being of both workers and patients are safeguarded
