Lesvos ambulance workers protest lack of help

Ambulance workers are protesting on the Greek island of Lesvos, where state budget cuts have left only three vehicles in operation despite a massive daily influx of refugees.

The drivers protested in the island's capital of Mytilene, then handed out clothes to refugee children.

Costas Filis, head of the island's ambulance workers association, told The Associated Press that five ambulances were awaiting repairs and that staff shortages had forced rescuers to work up to 16 hours at a time.

More than 300,000 people have traveled on dinghies and boats from nearby Turkey to Lesvos this year, with dozens dying along the way. Most land on the north coast of the island, an hour-long drive from the main hospital at Mytilene.

[AP]