To end assaults hire more ambos, says paramedics union

The union representing 1000 St John Ambulance staff says the solution to attacks on ambos is to end the use of single-crewed vehicles, not a poster campaign.

Members of Ambulance Professionals First (APF), New Zealand’s largest ambulance union, are running the “Healthy Ambos Save Lives” campaign calling on the government to properly fund the emergency service.

APF members are also undertaking industrial action at St John to highlight the issues that understaffing causes.

This morning St John CEO Peter Bradley told media that St John staff “simply won't enter a dangerous scene, we will retreat and your mate or loved one won't get the treatment they need while our personal safety is at risk."

But Ambulance Professionals First spokesperson Lynette Blacklaws said “Mr Bradley allows this happen every day by sending single-crewed ambulances into volatile situations like domestic violence incidents and events where alcohol is being consumed.”

“Bradley is absolutely right that ambulance officers shouldn’t be put at risk, but the solution is to hire more staff not let members of the public suffer or spend up on a public awareness campaign. Our members want to save lives and they need the support from St John and the government to do it safely.”

ENDS

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