As the number fatal accidents on South Coast roads and beaches continues to climb each week, the Australian Paramedics Association [APA] has said two intensive care paramedics covering from Helensburgh to Ulladulla is insufficient and “could cost lives”.
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The APA said recent changes within NSW Ambulance means no intensive care paramedic [ICP] positions will be advertised in the almost 200 kilometre stretch, and if an ICP relocates to the area their qualification will mean nothing.
“This is an absurd situation that could cost lives,” APA NSW vice president Glenn Congram said.
“It is a complete waste of time and money for these highly qualified ICPs to be forced to revert back to a standard paramedic status, unable to use their advanced life-saving skills.
“Any qualified ICPs who transfer to the area are being stripped of their $3 per hour allowance.”
NSW Ambulance doesn't consider people in Wollongong, the Illawarrra or Shoalhaven are worth an extra $3 an hour to save their life.
- Australian Paramedics Association NSW vice president Glenn Congram
Mr Congram said ICPs are permitted to continue practising in the area, without increased remuneration, however their status is being stripped at three yearly recertification.
Alarmingly, Mr Congram made reference to cases where qualified paramedics had upskilled to become an ICP, only to be refused a position the region and transferred to Sydney.
Mr Congram said the region is lucky to have a number of senior staff, but he is worried for the future.
“With older paramedics retiring there has been a decrease in the number of ICPs and advanced life support services within the Wollongong, Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions,” Mr Congram said.
The region is losing some of its “best up and coming paramedics” as they reach this career road block and are forced relocate to Sydney, he said.
At his “wit’s end” Mr Congram said the APA had been forced to ask the community to come to their defense “before NSW Ambulance deskills the entire area.”
Mr Congram wants people to contact their state member and demand the government reach into its pocket and foot the bill for these “greatly needed” positions.
“We think it’s worth an extra $3 an hour to save a life, but do they?” he asked.
However, NSW Ambulance denied the APA’s claims.
“There are currently more than 30 certified ICPs servicing the Illawarra region,” a spokesperson said in a short statement.
“All paramedics must seek recertification every three years and an ICP who satisfactorily completes recertification maintains his or her clinical qualifications.”
