THE ambulance service has condemned the callous thieves who stole personal protective equipment (PPE) from ambulances as crews dealt with patients in the region.

The North East Ambulance Service said patients and crew had been placed "at risk" of coronavirus following four seperate thefts of vital PPE in just one week.

It said ambulance crews reported the loss of "key equipment" in whilst staff had been dealing with medical emergencies across the North-East.

PPE, which has been provided to the ambulance service, is required to protect staff from potential coronavirus cases and further minimises risk of staff infecting patients.

Without it, staff are prone to becoming infected, which NEAS said would impact directly on the region’s 999 ambulance service and patients in an emergency.

Alan Gallagher, Head of risk at North East Ambulance Service, said: “NHS staff like ours are facing incredible challenges in the current climate, both personally and professionally, but because of their unwavering dedication to the people in our communities, they continue to come to work to help people in their time of need.

“To hear about such selfish acts of theft is incredibly disappointing and we will not tolerate it. 

"The impacts of such acts could severely impede our combined efforts to keep people safe. 

"Those responsible should consider the wider impact that their actions could have on the community and their own emergency care, should they ever need it.

“As a result, all vehicles will now carry minimal stocks. 

“All of our vehicles are fitted with CCTV and anyone attempting to board one whilst the crew are treating patients is likely to be caught on camera and the footage provided as evidence to the police.”

The incidents have now been reported to the police, who are investigating.