Rural ambos averaged 11 weeks of overtime last year: FOI

Freedom of information documents reveal paramedics in regional Victoria averaged 55 days of overtime last year — the equivalent of eleven 38 hour weeks.  

The documents also show regional paramedics averaged 16 days sick leave last year, fuelling concerns Victorian paramedics’ extreme workloads are affecting their health.

Melbourne paramedics averaged 32 days of overtime, the equivalent of six and half 38 hour weeks. They averaged 13.5 days of sick leave.

Ambulance Employees Australia State Secretary Steve McGhie said the FOI data was further evidence that paramedics are dangerously fatigued. He called on Premier Brumby to stop blocking ten hour rest breaks between shifts.

“This data proves beyond doubt Victorian ambos are working massive amounts of overtime. It explains why so many say they feel dangerously fatigued.”   

“After working such long hours and not getting enough sleep, many ambos have told us they’ve fallen asleep driving and made mistakes at work. Some have told us they’ve even drawn up the wrong drugs and nearly administered them.”

“Premier Brumby needs to fix this problem before someone is killed.”

“Ten hour rest breaks will mean ambos can at least get a proper sleep before they go to work again.”

Gippsland had the highest average days of sick leave taken at 19.6 days last year, while paramedics in Melbourne’s outer southern suburbs had the city’s highest average at 15.6 days last year.  

Under the award, Victorian paramedics are only entitled to an eight hour break between shifts.

Some rosters do include longer breaks, but because paramedics regularly work several hours overtime at the end of their 10 or 14 hour shifts many end up with only the minimum eight hour break.   

Paramedics are often also recalled on their days off to work additional shifts.

Paramedics have been in pay negotiations since April, but are now at a stalemate after the Victorian Government last month rejected demands for longer rest breaks and fair wages.

Paramedics will today also release a 30 second internet advertisement portraying a fatigued paramedic, fatally injured after crashing his ambulance into a power pole.

Watch our new advertisement here