Under a new scheme to be introduced on August 20, injured paramedics’ entitlements will be cut. 

In the new scheme an injured paramedic will receive a total of $123,487; comparatively an injured police officer in the same situation will receive payouts of up to $432,127.

Serving paramedic and State counselor in the ambulance division of the Health Services Union Steve Fraser said the difference was created by paramedics now receiving only two years of compensation, instead of seven like NSW police officers.

“But we do the same work, we arrive at the same cases,” Mr Fraser said.

“In fact sometimes we will do a bit more in terms of lifting.”

“We throw our entire body into the job.

“Our work is very physical and unpredictable. You simply can’t anticipate how a situation will unfold. The inherent danger of our job is the reason we fought for and won death and disability cover in the first place.”

Mr Fraser said without having proper compensation it caused paramedics to be less likely to “risk it” at work. 

“We need to be able to do our job without fear.

“Without proper death and disability cover, we will hesitate. We will think twice when we are pulling someone from a car crash at an awkward angle or dragging an unconscious body from a shower.

“The risk of injury weighs much heavier without appropriate cover.”

Mr Bromhead said he supported the paramedics’ point in principle. 

“They had a very compelling argument,” he said. 

“Paramedics work in a highly stressed environment, where they make life or death decisions and they don’t want to hesitate before acting.” 

Mr Bromhead said he would give documents on the group’s case to Health Minister Jillian Skinner and take it to the party room. 

“We will keep in touch to remind him of the commitment,” Mr Fraser said. 

“Until now our families have had confidence that if we are injured a scheme is in place to look after them. That all changes on August 20.”