The Tasmanian Greens are urging both major parties to commit to ending single-crewed ambulance shifts, saying the practice puts patient care and paramedic safety at risk.
Greens health spokesperson Cecily Rosol said solo shifts have become increasingly common across the state due to ongoing staffing shortages, with paramedics often working alone in both urban and regional areas.
“Paramedics do the best they can, but they can’t do the job of two people at once,” Rosol said.
“Single response shifts often mean paramedics can’t give the care patients need, either at a scene itself or when taking them to hospital.”
“After all, if you’re driving an ambulance, you can’t properly monitor a patient that’s in the back.”
The Bass MP said single-person crews often struggle to deliver adequate care and are regularly pushed to their limits, especially during night shifts.
“Solo shifts add to workload, fatigue and stress. Nobody should have to work under these conditions,” she said.
The call comes just over 20 days out from Tasmania’s state election on July 19.
“We call on the Liberal and Labor parties to commit to ending single response shifts for paramedics if they form government,” Rosol said.
“We know getting rid of this practice won’t happen overnight, but for the sake of our community and our paramedics it absolutely must happen.”
