Sleaford ambulance and fire crews say thanks to community for continued support during coronavirus struggles

With the now weekly Clap for Carers due to take place again tonight (Thursday) staff based at Sleaford’s combined ambulance and fire station have expressed their thanks for the community’s ongoing support.
The 'thank you' banner put up outside Sleaford's joint fire and ambulance station on East Road. EMN-200430-145415001The 'thank you' banner put up outside Sleaford's joint fire and ambulance station on East Road. EMN-200430-145415001
The 'thank you' banner put up outside Sleaford's joint fire and ambulance station on East Road. EMN-200430-145415001

The teams have put up a banner expressing their appreciation at the entrance to the Sleaford Fire and Ambulance Station on East Road.

Anne Berry is East Midlands Ambulance service’s South Lincolnshire area clinical support manager. She said: “We would like to say a big thank you to our community for their support during Covid19.

“I have worked for EMAS for 16 years now and the sheer scale of the current public kindness and support is something I have never experienced before. We often receive compliments from patients and their families who feel that we have made a difference but this is another level, we are humbled.

Sleaford ambulance and fire personnel have expressed their thanks for the community's support. EMN-200430-145403001Sleaford ambulance and fire personnel have expressed their thanks for the community's support. EMN-200430-145403001
Sleaford ambulance and fire personnel have expressed their thanks for the community's support. EMN-200430-145403001

“Over the past couple of months we have received many pictures, badges and thank you cards which we are displaying on station and brightening up our working environment.

“When necessary we are using the donated homemade laundry bags to take uniform home and place straight in the washing machine to help minimise the risk of infection.”

She went on: “Our spirits are lifted when listening to the Thursday night clapping and we even sometimes receive a round of applause whilst we are out and about. Some members of the public shout a ‘thank you’ from a distance if they see us whilst on duty.

“We have been sent such things as cakes, pizza, ready meals and fruit that have kept us fuelled in times when obtaining food and drink has become increasingly difficult.”

She said the crews are proud to serve their community, as they want to help people: “That is why many of us joined the ambulance service, but it is always lovely to get a thank you and we just wanted to say thank you back.”

Anne reminded everyone still has another crucial role to play in the fight to overcome Covid19, supporting the emergency services and the wider NHS by staying at home and observing social distancing rules (staying at least two metres apart).

She said: “While we want to thank everyone for taking the time to honour the NHS in the Clap for Carers we would like everyone to continue to observe this from their doorsteps and gardens and not to congregate in large groups as this risks the virus spreading and will put more pressure on a service you are trying to support.

“I would also like to remind our staff that we have a number of support networks that are available to staff if they are feeling overwhelmed and stressed at all. These networks have been at EMAS long before coronavirus, but are particularly valuable now.”