Regional Responses

Fatigue - rural paramedic 1

in

“I think if the community knew at what mental level we are made to operate at they would be horrified.”

Rural Paramedic
AEA Victorian Paramedic Fatigue Survey 2008

 

Craig Crawford

in

 "The fatigue in this job is cumulative. You never really leave work and you don't sleep properly. It builds up and then it hits you.

"The service is understaffed across the state, but particularly in country areas. We're working long hours and coming in on our days off.

"The levels of paramedic fatigue are a scandal. They're a danger to us and the community.    Read more...

Judith O'Brien

in

Below is a letter I wrote that was published in our local paper.

Dear Sir,

It was with interest I read the article featured in the Wangaratta Chronicle ‘Paramedic staff boost’ (Friday February 1, 2008).

For the Hume region to get 25 more of these highly respected men and women is welcome news.    Read more...

Olga Bartasek

in

“We are at crisis point. Our health and patient care are being severely compromised. Will it take a tragedy before Premier Brumby fixes this crisis?”

OLGA BARTESEK,
Regional Paramedic (Romsey)

Fatigue - rural paramedic 2

in

“After 10 years in the profession I love, I am seriously considering leaving due to the impact fatigue is having on my family life."

"I now take medication for depression.

"When I started 10 years ago it wasn’t this bad. But with our horrendously busy night shifts I spend all my non-work time like a zombie, trying to recover.”    Read more...

Fatigue - Eb Friedrich

in

"I came very close to crashing into the trees."

"I just remember waking up and heading into trees on the side of the road. I managed to break, probably only metres from impact." 

"I remembered being a bit shaken up, but didn’t worry too much about it because, it was something I had experienced many times.    Read more...

LOUISE HEMINGWAY

in

"It’s not acceptable that we have to wait up to forty minutes for an ambulance to respond from as far away as Echuca. Mr Brumby is putting our children and our community at risk.”

LOUISE HEMINGWAY,
Riddells Creek Play Group (Central Victoria)

Gordon Bowman

in

"We're a rich country and we should be able to deliver one of the best ambulance services in the world."

"But we're not going get it unless paramedics and the broader community fight for it."

GORDON BOWMAN
Regional Paramedic (Leongatha)

Laurie Blick

in

I have been a Paramedic for 28 years. This job is part of my life.

Being involved in the community and being proud to serve them, means everything to me.

The current climate is "madness" and cannot continue. I fear for the wellbeing of the younger paramedics.

I do not want to see them, end up like me. My whole life has changed, but not for the better!    Read more...

What's your response?