CALLOUS thieves stole vital equipment from the back of an ambulance as paramedics took a patient to casualty.
CALLOUS thieves stole vital equipment from the back of an ambulance as paramedics took a patient to casualty.
The Harwich-based crew were at Colchester General Hospital when their vehicle was targeted as they took the patient into accident and emergency.
A red response bag worth �200 and containing pain relief, masks and medicines, was taken from the back of the ambulance at 10.30am on Thursday.
Local duty operations manager Steve Box said he was “astounded” by the theft.
He said: “We honestly cannot believe that someone wanted to do this – the bag contains first-defence drugs for crews to administer so patients receive the best care possible before going to hospital.
“Essentially what has happened is that NHS resources were stolen – resources which have to be replaced at a cost.
“The bag and its contents are only of use to the ambulance crew who carry it – it’s an absolutely selfish act.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Colchester police on 0300 333 4444.
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