STUDENT paramedics in Scotland are living below the poverty line, with some classified as destitute, a report by the Pay Student Paramedics campaign revealed today.

Over 200 student paramedics are calling on the Scottish government to create a bursary to assist with their studies, equal to that of nurses and midwives who receive £10,000 per year.

The survey found that 95 per cent of students were concerned that their money will not last long while 82 per cent said they were struggling to make ends meet between pay periods. 

And nearly 70 per cent admitted that they have struggled to feed themselves or a dependent. 

Better off students are left with just £54 after rent each month from the current Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) loan, the report found.

Student paramedic Rory Maclean from Glasgow Caledonian University said: “This report shows the reality student paramedics in Scotland face, one of money worries, food uncertainty and for some, poverty.

“How is it right that the next generation of front-line workers should suffer this injustice while training? All we ask for is a bursary that will allow us to live.

“The Scottish government says it is reviewing funding for student paramedics. We don’t need a review, we need this bursary so we can focus on learning and serving instead of how we will make ends meet.”

Scottish Labour health spokesperson Monica Lennon said that student paramedics, who are training to become a vital part of our health service, should not be living in poverty.

“We need urgent action from the Scottish government to address this inequality and put a fair bursary in place,” she said.

“Students can’t afford to wait any longer, and the NHS in Scotland can’t afford to risk losing these trainees due to cost burdens of studying.”

Scottish Green co-leader and health spokesperson Alison Johnstone said the findings “make for a sober reading.”

“Paramedics have a unique skill set that we rely on in times of crisis,” she said. “They make a vital contribution to our health service that must not be overlooked. 

“We need to properly recognise that contribution by ensuring that they are financially supported when they are undertaking their training.”

Campaigners’ calls were also supported by Scotland’s Liberal Democrat and Conservative health representatives.