Dorrigo paramedics have vented their anger about work conditions by writing political slogans on their vehicle.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And they are not alone – ambulances throughout the state have been spotted with markings: “NSW paramedics, most trusted, least protected, thanks to Mike Baird”.
Gerard Hayes, from the Health Services Union NSW, said paramedics wanted to make the public aware of the government’s planned cuts to their death and disability insurance.
“Paramedics do terrifying, dangerous work and under the government’s new plan they will lose 75 per cent of financial support if they are permanently injured,” he said.
“Paramedics deserve a proper insurance scheme, just as the public deserves a paramedic workforce willing and able to put their bodies on the line to do the job.”
Under a new scheme, introduced on August 20, injured paramedics who can no longer work will have their entitlements slashed by up to three-quarters.
The new scheme puts injured paramedics well behind injured police officers. An injured police officer who can no longer work in any occupation receives a payout of $432,127. By comparison, an injured paramedic in the same situation will receive a total of $123,487.
Paramedics across the Mid-North Coast are concerned the slashed scheme will mean they hesitate on the job, forcing them to reconsider dangerous and risky work practices.
“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,” said Steve Fraser, serving paramedic and HSU councilor.
“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.
“Until now our families have had confidence that if we are injured a scheme is in place to look after them. That all changed on August 20.
“Our death and disability cover is not just for our benefit – it’s critically important for our families and the community.
“The liquid chalk campaign is a way of showing we’re not happy, without any detriment to our patients. It’s public, as is our work. What isn’t public is the way we’re being treated.”
