NSW paramedics have hit back at government cuts to their death and disability benefits, vowing to send twice as many paramedics to some routine call outs to reduce the risk of injury on the job.
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Following an unsuccessful appeal with the industrial relations commission, union officials are taking a “no risk” approach, saying paramedics can not afford to risk injury on the job with their benefits effectively cut by 75 per cent.
Following on from a “silent protest” against the proposed benefit cuts, paramedics will now send more man power to call outs that involve any lifting, such as a routine response to a person slipping in the bathtub.
“We are always going to do our job for the public, they’re our number one asset,” said Health Services Union New England Sub-branch president Dave Lucietto said.
“But due to the lack of the government wanting to look after us, we will have to take things into our own hands and be a bit more cautious and a bit more protective of our own safety.
“Paramedics will now be taking a lot more precautions because we have to look after ourselves.
Basically we’ve been dumped on by the government. If I get injured at work and I can’t be a paramedic anymore, then what do I do?
- Dave Lucietto
“To get someone out of a bathtub who has slipped, fallen and hurt themselves is one of the most awkward situations you can get. If there is any kind of lifting we will get four officers to do it.
“We will be getting back up to help us as much as we can, obviously we are always concerned for the patient, but we are now going to have to spend a little bit more time assessing the scene and the scenario.”
Local paramedics are calling for parity with police officers. who receive seven years of compensation under their current death and disability scheme. Ambulance officers will receive two.
Mr Lucietto said he was disappointed by the lack of support by the government and also local member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, and Barwon MP Kevin Humphries.
“Basically we’ve been dumped on by the government. If I get injured at work and I can’t be a paramedic anymore, then what do I do?,” he said.
“What they are offering is a two year income protection scheme which will be less than our base rate. What we want is parity with the police. To get a two window to get better, rehabilitated,re educated and retrained is not long.
"While we’ve had fantastic support from Adam Marshall (Northern Tablelands MP) unfortunately Kevin Anderson and Kevin Humphries are towing the line made out by the State Government.
“I’m very disappointed, we’re asking them to cross the floor.”
The Leader has contacted Ambulance NSW, Kevin Anderson and Kevin Humphries offices for comment.