United Workers Union members serving on the Queensland Preventing Occupational Violence Management Committee have called out comments made by David Crisafulli and the LNP Opposition, questioning the collaboration between the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).
Comments attributable to Liesel Cahalan, Advanced Care Paramedic Metro South and United Workers Union Delegate:
“We absolutely value the time of our police. Keeping our ambos and nurses and patients safe is not just part of their job but a vital part. Are the LNP seriously saying they wouldn’t have police keeping ambos safe when they have violent and dangerous patients?”
Comments attributable to Fiona Scalon, United Workers Union National Ambulance Coordinator:
“Union members are alarmed by the LNP’s apparent disregard for the safety of emergency response personnel and the critical nature of the collaboration between QPS and QAS. The Union receives daily reports of QPS officers assisting QAS staff with violent and aggressive patients. This important collaboration keeps our paramedics and ambulance officers safe while they look after those in need in our community.”
Liesel Cahalan and Fiona Scalon are available for interview.