September 15th 2024.
According to the union, there was a sudden increase in the number of paramedics taking sick leave, resulting in a decrease in the number of ambulance crews available in Victoria overnight. This affected at least 50 crews, both in metropolitan and rural areas, as they were unable to operate and had to be taken off the roads.
The Victorian Ambulance Union shared that their members reported having to travel more than 60km to reach high priority and time-sensitive cases, known as Code 1 incidents. This meant that they had to cover longer distances and were unable to reach certain areas due to the shortage of crews.
In rural areas, approximately 20 crews were dropped from their shifts, including locations such as Hamilton, Barwon Heads, Norlane, Warrnambool, Swan Hill, Heathcote, Bendigo, and Mildura. In Melbourne, about 30 crews were also dropped, affecting areas like Bayswater, Brighton, Sunshine, Doncaster, Rowville, Mordialloc, Hartwell, North Melbourne, and Oak Park.
Danny Hill, the Victorian Ambulance Union secretary, expressed concern over the situation, stating that their members rarely get breaks and often finish their shifts exhausted and burnt out. He emphasized the importance of supporting the workforce to ensure they are healthy and well-equipped to provide the best response to the community's needs.
Hill also highlighted the consequences of not supporting the workforce, as it ultimately affects the community's access to prompt and efficient emergency medical care. This statement came in the wake of a recent incident where a man was critically injured after being stabbed at a nightclub on Melbourne's Chapel Street, further emphasizing the importance of a well-staffed and supported ambulance service.
Typically, there are 120 ambulances operating during night shifts in Victoria. However, due to the recent shortage of crews, only 90 were able to be in action last night, according to the union's reports. This comes just weeks after the resignation of Ambulance Victoria's chief executive, Jane Miller, amidst ongoing industrial disputes and increasing work demands.
The organization has been approached for comment on the current situation. It is evident that the demand for emergency medical services is high, and it is crucial to address the issues faced by the ambulance workforce to ensure the community's well-being.
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