BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay sparks outrage with ‘insulting’ comment about ambulance drivers

JON Kay has been slammed by BBC Breakfast viewers over a comment he made about ambulance drivers.

The TV presenter was back on the red sofa with co-host Sally Nugent on Wednesday to read the latest headlines.

Halfway through the show, they introduced a segment about the upcoming NHS strikes.

They were joined by Professor Sir Stephen Powis, who is the Medical Director of NHS England.

Introducing the section, Sally said: "We are talking about the NHS this morning, and the incredible pressure it's under at the moment.

"It's about to get worse as nurses go on strike tomorrow."

Jon then added: "Ambulance workers are also set to walk out later this month.

"Let's speak to Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the National Medical Director for NHS England."

He asked Powis to give viewers a "broad message" about what's to expect over the coming days.

The NHS boss explained: "Industrial action begins tomorrow with nurses, [and it's] important to say it's not affecting all hospitals.

"Some of them will be working normally."

He also pointed out that the emergency services will be running as per usual.

However, it was a comment that Jon made, referring to paramedics as "ambulance drivers" which was slammed by viewers.

He said: "Cause next week, we have ambulance drivers' strikes as well."

Many rushed straight to Twitter to slam Jon's "insulting" comment.

Many viewers took to social media to slam Jon's "insulting" remark.

One wrote: "@BBCBreakfast please stop referring to the people who work for paramedic services as 'ambulance drivers'.

"That hasn’t been a thing for decades and it belittles the role all of the hardworking staff play, be it in ambulances, in the call room, or in offices."

Another raged: "Please stop calling paramedics 'ambulance drivers'.

"I'm highly trained but if you want me to come to your aid and just drive you to hospital without any interventions.

"Shall we start using the term "fire engine drivers" "police car drivers". It's insulting." (sic)

The comments continued:

"When discussing the ambulance strikes please do not refer to them as ambulance drivers.

"They are not just drivers, "Paramedics train for at least 3 yrs to get their degrees and Ambulance Technicians are also highly trained they don’t just drive an ambulance."

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC One.