United Voice News
Rural Ambulance System is in Crisis, 100 More Paramedics Not Enough
Paramedics say Rural Ambulance Victoria’s plan to recruit 100 new paramedics does not go far enough.
Steve McGhie, Ambulance Employees Australia State Secretary, said Victoria’s regional ambulance system is already massively overstretched, with paramedic fatigue at epidemic levels.
“Country Victorians are waiting longer than ever for a paramedic,” he said.
“If you’re having a cardiac arrest, you need medical attention within eight minutes to avoid death or brain injury.
“But in many towns across Victoria you may have to wait a lot longer than that for a professional paramedic.
“Even on RAV’s current staffing numbers there are vacancies for at least 30 paramedics.
“RAV has a staffing crisis, so we welcome any extra paramedics.
“But the important question is: what is the net gain in paramedics?
“We also want to know how long country Victorians have will have wait for these paramedics — because they need them now, not in 18 months from now.”
“We will be making a Budget submission to the State Government calling for funding for additional paramedics for regional Victoria.”
24 January 2008
