Health Minister calls for zero tolerance approach on paramedic assaults
THEY’RE responsible for saving the lives of countless Queenslanders, yet an “alarming” increase in assaults on our paramedics continues. Now, the Health Minister has stepped in and demanded swift action.
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HEALTH Minister Cameron Dick has demanded a key taskforce driving the Government’s strategy to tackle violence against paramedics fast track its report.
Mr Dick yesterday ordered the delivery of the interim recommendations following public concern after a several “high-profile assaults” on paramedics.
The taskforce, comprising members of QAS and United Voice ambulance union, has been investigating several measures, including more situational awareness training for workers.
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“The increasing prevalence of assaults on health workers is alarming, and the taskforce is considering range of options to help reduce the risk,” Mr Dick said.
“All health workers – whether they are paramedics, patient transport officers, nurses or doctors – are committed to helping and caring for others and they deserve our respect and gratitude for the important work they do in our community.
“There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to abuse or physically assault a paramedic and I urge the community to join together and show zero tolerance for this type of anti-social behaviour.”
Queensland Ambulance Services data show assaults have risen steadily since 2012-13 when 143 physical attacks were recorded against the front line medicos. Last financial year the number was at 170.
Queensland Health director-general Michael Walsh sent an email reassuring staff on Wednesday the department had their back in regards to workplace violence.
“It is not acceptable that staff at the front line of providing health care still face the risk of violence – whether it’s physical or verbal,” the email read.
“I want to reassure you that this issue is a priority for both myself and the Minister.”
It comes as a rally has been organised for today outside Southport Magistrates Court after Gold Coast paramedic Brad Johnson was beaten while attending to a patient in Coomera last month.
His alleged attacker was granted bail on assault charges after the court heard he needed to attend his mother’s funeral.
Rally organiser, paramedic Kyla Golds, who said she had also been assaulted by a patient, said the gathering was to show support for other front line emergency services workers who had been attacked on the job.
“Brad’s assault made us all think something else needed to be done,” Mrs Golds said.
“We need to raise awareness about this to get proper justice for these paramedics and public servants who have been assaulted.
“We’re hoping this will raise enough awareness to help get mandatory sentencing for offenders.”
Originally published as Health Minister calls for zero tolerance approach on paramedic assaults
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