TAMWORTH paramedics have raised concerns over the lack of staff adequately trained to operate one of the region’s most “essential” pieces of equipment.
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Joining with the Health Services Union (HSU), local paramedics have called on NSW Ambulance to provide training so more staff can operate the rescue truck when needed.
Due to retirements and staff moving-on, HSU New England sub-branch president Dave Lucietto says it’s left Tamworth short with the truck “offline” for periods of 24 hours.
In a written statement, NSW Ambulance said additional training was being planned.
“It is important to note NSW Ambulance paramedics still respond to provide emergency medical patient care and transport,” the statement said.
Mr Lucietto said the rescue truck would help in a number of situations.
What is the point of investing in state of the art equipment if you won’t invest in the skills of the paramedics who use it?
- HSU secretary Gerard Hayes
“It would go to domestic rescues, things like kids with fingers stuck in the sink, motor vehicle rescues, industrial stuff where people might get their hands stuck in machines,” he said.
The HSU revealed the rescue truck has been offline eight times in the past five weeks.
Each stint offline has lasted 12 to 24 hours, “posing an unacceptable risk to public safety”.
“The paramedic rescue truck is essential to providing the New England region with the coverage and support it deserves,” HSU NSW secretary, Gerard Hayes, said.
“What is the point of investing in state of the art equipment if you won’t invest in the skills of the paramedics who use it?”
NSW Ambulance said it normally has 15 rescue trained staff located in Tamworth.
“While staff leave, retirement and staff movement to positions within NSW Ambulance and externally has temporarily reduced the availability of rostered certified rescue paramedics in Tamworth, training of additional rescue officers is being planned,” NSW Ambulance said in a statement.