It is important that our hardworking ambulance service is properly supported. That’s why I welcome the five extra intensive care paramedics who joined the Sunshine Coast district this year – and the extra 10 paramedics the service has assigned to join our growing region early next year.
Contrary to union claims (SCD 2/10/13), there has been a significant increase in crews working the night shift since 2004 (up to nearly double the number of crews) during the busiest part of the night shift (6pm-10pm) and additional crews during the “graveyard shift” when there are fewer emergency incidents.
Media reports that a university students was used to cover a shift due to staff cutbacks are wrong on both fronts. There have been no cutbacks and university student did not take on the role of the paramedic. The union has beat up this story and blamed staff cutbacks which is simply not true.
Our ambulance officers are highly trained and highly valued and they should be praised for the amazing job they do.