Motorcycle paramedics to roll out in Melbourne
Date Updated:
Victoria’s first motorcycle paramedics will be rolled out before the year is out, as part of a $2.8 million state government commitment.
The Baillieu government has pledged six motorcycle paramedics for rapid response to emergencies, which will operate during peak traffic and during major events and festivals, within Melbourne’s inner metro area.
Motorcycle paramedic units, renowned for their ability to negotiate heavy traffic and their resulting rapid response to emergencies in city areas, have been operating in New South Wales since 1983, in the United Kingdom since 1991, the Netherlands since 1997 and Hong Kong since 1982.
The unit, which will carry life-saving drugs and equipment including defibrillators, will respond to emergencies ranging from cardiac arrests to pedestrians hit by vehicles, domestic accidents and alcohol-related incidents.
The state’s ambulance union has criticised the move as a waste of funds, which could instead be spent on securing more ambulances and much-needed paramedics for the under-resourced sector.
Ambulance Employees Australia Victoria general secretary Steve McGhie said the plan also posed serious occupational health and safety concerns, from the security of the bike to that of the drugs and equipment.
The move to put motorcycle paramedics on Melbourne city streets comes as the state’s ambulance service buckles under increased pressure, resulting in more “ramping” cases and union reports the situation is taking a toll on over-worked paramedics.
Motorcycle paramedics will receive additional safety and driver training. The government will trial the unit for a three year period before reviewing its effectiveness.
Health Minister David Davis said while the motorcycles were not designed for transporting patients, they provided a quick and convenient way for MICA paramedics to respond to cases and provide clinical back-up to colleagues.
“These paramedics will often be the first response to accidents and incidents, as they will be able to dodge through congested traffic in inner-city areas,” he said.
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