The Scottish Government is being criticized after new data revealed 2,503 single-crewed ambulance shifts across Scotland in 2024.
The figures, obtained by Scottish Labour through a freedom of information request, highlight an average of nearly seven ambulance staff working solo each day—a practice long deemed controversial.
Labour Accuses SNP of Broken Promises
Scottish Labour has accused the SNP of failing to honour its commitment to eliminate single-crewed ambulance shifts. In 2008, then-Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon called for the practice to be banned, but the latest figures show it persists.
Between 2019 and 2023, over 13,565 single-crewed shifts were recorded, despite government assurances.
Dame Jackie Baillie, Labour’s health spokeswoman, expressed concern, “A decade-and-a-half after the SNP promised to eradicate single-crew ambulance shifts, it seems they are still happening on a daily basis.
“Ambulance crew members work very hard, but asking them to attend to life or death situations on their own places unbearable pressure on staff.
“Ambulances are running on empty – Scotland needs a change of direction, starting with our NHS.
“The SNP must ensure the UK Labour Budget dividend is directed to frontline NHS staff.”
Government and SAS Defend the Practice
The Scottish Government responded by insisting single-crewed shifts are rare and used only in exceptional circumstances, such as sudden staff absences or unexpected surges in demand. A spokesperson highlighted ongoing recruitment efforts, stating, Ambulances are not routinely singled-crewed; this only happens in exceptional circumstances, such as short-notice staff absences or a significant increase in demand.
“We continue to support the service to reduce instances of single crewing.
“Our continued increased investment has seen 1,388 staff join SAS, with over 230 joining in 2023/24, and further recruitment underway this year.”
An SAS representative emphasised the value of single-crewed shifts in certain scenarios:, “These single crews represent just 1.6% of all the shifts covered by our staff and are often first on the scene to events such as cardiac arrests, and can provide a valuable initial assessment, instigate treatment for patients and assist in targeting the resources we send.”
