Date published: 7 August 2024

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust wholeheartedly condemns the riots, racism and Islamophobia that have taken place across our country over recent days.

These malicious acts of deliberate violence and intimidation are horrifying. Our thoughts are with those impacted by the disorder, as well as our blue light partners and organisations responding to keep people safe.

We know that many of our staff, volunteers and people in our communities are feeling afraid, unwelcome, and will also be concerned for their family and friends. Please know, whether you are at home or at work, you are welcome, you are valued, and you are not alone.

We will not tolerate any form of discrimination, racism or abuse towards our staff, volunteers or patients at EMAS. We will take the most serious action possible to any reports of this inappropriate behaviour, and we will work with the police to support prosecution of offenders.

For those part of our EMAS family affected by what you have seen or heard, or if you need support or advice, please speak up. You are not alone, deserve better and you will be supported. Our local leadership teams, the human resources team and members of our staff networks are on hand to provide a listening ear and offer support. We’ve detailed the wide range of support available via our internal magazine, Enews, yesterday.

To our patients and our communities, please access the support on offer to you – from the wider NHS, our partner organisations, charities, friends, family and those in your local community.

Our service continues to be here to provide care, treatment and support for anyone experiencing life-threatening emergencies or those eligible for support from our Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service.