Paramedics push for mandatory staffing levels

They are pushing for a mandatory two-officer crew for each ambulance to ensure patients receive prompt care without waiting for additional crews.

Health Services Union (HSU) central west sub branch president Ian Spurway said too many ambulances in the central west and Orana regions are staffed with just one paramedic.

“You’ll get an ambulance response, but there may be a delay on scene because you can’t drive and treat,” Mr Spurway said.

“A single officer was sent to a murder in Narromine last night [Wednesday].”

He said the situation in Narromine would have been traumatic for the paramedic, with that person possibly having fears for their own safety during the call-out.

Sending a single paramedic to an emergency is a “regular occurrence” across the region, according to Mr Spurway, and is not suitable for the safety of the community or paramedic.

“It’s below community expectations,” he said.

During a meeting yesterday between Ambulance Service of NSW zone management and Industrial Relations, an agreement was reached that aims to guarantee two-officer crews at the Orange, Bathurst and Lithgow stations only.

HSU assistant manager of industrial services Tom Stevanja said yesterday’s decision was good but not ideal.

He said despite the guarantee there would be no one-officer crews in Orange, the station was still short-staffed.

“It’s a great improvement, we are willing to work with the ambulance service to make sure they live up to the agreement,” Mr Stevanja said.

While the staff shortage continued the HSU would continue to monitor the situation, Mr Stevanja said.

“When it comes to incidents when they are left to respond on their own ...[it] exposes themselves to danger and risk,” he said.

He said while most off-duty paramedics would respond if called upon, it is up to the individual and smaller stations are still set to suffer from shortages.

While Orange has generally not been affected by the crew shortages, stations in Bathurst, Lithgow and Cowra were ordered not to fill any positions caused by staff calling in sick last weekend.

nadine.morton@ruralpress.com