State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the State Government to provide more resources for the State’s paramedics after a paramedic was bitten while attending to a patient.
Paramedics are vital to the community, responding to emergencies, saving lives and often putting themselves in harm’s way to do so. This latest assault highlights how dangerous the job can be.
Ms Hornery has previously called for an emergency summit to address paramedic staffing and safety, and has continually raised the issue in the past. The State Government has failed to act, despite calls from the Health Services Union and frontline paramedics.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“Today, I am once again calling on the State Government to take the concerns of our paramedics seriously.”
“It is absolutely unacceptable that anyone should be at risk of physical assault and verbal abuse just for doing their job. Nobody deserves to be bitten while they’re trying to render aid, but our paramedics face these risks every time they respond to a call.”
“Paramedics are operating on the frontlines, day and night, working to save lives. The least we can do is to make sure they are as safe as possible in their workplace.”
“Luckily, the paramedic attacked in Muswellbrook is recovering well, but this assault just highlights the very real dangers faced by paramedics.”
“The Government insists that there is a range of measures in place to reduce the risk of violence, but we need comprehensive action to make sure our paramedics are kept safe. Our paramedics need to be properly resourced and supported.”
“I urge the Government to listen to the concerns of paramedics and the Health Services Union.”