From Toulouse to Paris, an ambulance driver cycled around 1,000 kilometers to promote the cause of his profession

Sugar Mizzy November 23, 2021

Around 1,000 kilometers by bike, from Toulouse to Paris in several stages. An ambulance driver from Toulouse University Hospital is embarking on this journey this Tuesday, November 23 to raise awareness of the profession. Like his colleagues, he asks that it be upgraded, by recognition of caregiver status and by increasing their salaries. “1000 kilometers it may seem impressive but it is up to our determination», Explains Thierry Cuburry.

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Alone or accompanied

To meet this challenge, this 50-year-old and used to cycling can count on the support of his colleagues. Some accompany him on part of his journey. He will also be joined, over short distances by ambulance personnel from other cities in France, since Thierry Cuburry performs seven steps : Agen, Bordeaux, Angoulême, Poitiers, Angers, Chartres, and finally Paris, before the Ministry of Solidarity and Health.

Thierry Cuburry will sometimes sleep at the hotel and sometimes with ambulance colleagues from other cities in France. © Radio-France
– Julie munch

The colleagues of this ambulance driver from the Toulouse University Hospital will join him in Paris on November 30 for a day of national mobilization. © Radio-France
– Julie munch

A day of national mobilization

Upon his arrival, scheduled for November 30, after eight days on the road, Thierry Cuburry will not be alone. His colleagues from several hospitals will join him (by train or car) for a demonstration. A delegation should be received by the ministry. The inter-union composed of Sud, AFASH (French association of SMUR and hospital ambulance attendants), and the CGT demand that ambulance attendants no longer be considered in the texts as “simple conductors“but that the dimension”care“be recognized and that wages be increased. “At the start of a career, an ambulance driver barely earns a minimum wage and at the end of his career we barely reach 2,000 euros”, says David Soulès of AFASH. The unions are therefore asking for a salary increase of 400 euros. The ambulance personnel of the SAMU are also joining this fight.