Two ambulance staff have reportedly died by suicide just a few weeks apart – prompting calls for an urgent investigation.
Emergency medical dispatcher 20-year-old Catarina Couto, known to her family and friends at Cat, died earlier this month.
Father-of-two 33-year-old Tomos Griffiths – who was a paramedic and clinical team leader alongside Cat – was found dead back July.
Both worked for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) and were based at the Emergency Operations Centre in Bristol.
The base takes 999 calls, dispatching ambulance crews and specialist ambulance resources to emergencies across Swindon, Wiltshire and the West Country.
William Lee, the Assistant Director of Operations – Emergency Operations Centres, said that Tomos and Cat were “hugely respected” and “known for their warmth and kindness”.
He continued: “They were also both passionate and proud to work for the Ambulance Service.
“We have taken comfort in hearing the many stories of how they helped deliver patient care, often going above and beyond.
“Their loss will be felt by many across the Trust for a long time to come.
“We continue to offer their family and friends our deepest condolences at this very difficult time.”
Following the deaths of Tomos and Cat, the team behind the Facebook page UK Ambulance Humour have called on Wes Streeting, the health secretary, to launch an urgent probe.
They said: “We are urging you to take urgent action and launch an independent investigation into South Western Ambulance Service, and indeed the wider ambulance service across the UK.
“This follows the tragic deaths of several members of staff linked to mental health struggles, which have sent shockwaves through our community.
“These heartbreaking losses are not isolated incidents — they are symptoms of a deeper, systemic crisis within our ambulance services.
“Staff across the country are under immense pressure, facing relentless workloads, chronic understaffing, and a lack of adequate mental health support.
“Too often, those who dedicate their lives to saving others are left feeling unseen, unsupported, and unheard. We are calling for transparency, accountability, and meaningful change.
“Every member of staff deserves a workplace that values their wellbeing as much as their service to the public. No more lives should be lost before the issues at the heart of this crisis are properly addressed.
“Our colleagues, past and present, deserve better. Their dedication to the public good should not come at the cost of their own lives.”
Cat’s family passed on their thanks to all her colleagues within the emergency operations centre for ‘being there for Cat as she really loved working there’.
They said that ‘working as an EMD was Cat’s passion’ and they would like to ‘thank all colleagues for the love shown to her.’ The message was distributed to staff in a bulletin today.
Speaking on support available, William Lee added: “Any death in service is incredibly upsetting and we would encourage our people to reach out to our Well Being team for any help and support they may need.
“The team can offer support for emotional, physical, and social wellbeing – at work and beyond. Or they can simply be a listening ear for someone wanting to talk.
“There is other help available via the Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC) Crisis Line – 0300 373 0898 or the Samaritans – 116 123.”
