Protecting our paramedics

NSW Paramedics will have access to specialised health services to prevent injuries, and their incomes protected for at least five years if injured at work, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard said today.

The NSW Government will invest $48 million in protecting the health and wellbeing of NSW Ambulance staff to help paramedics avoid workplace injuries and ensure injured workers have the support they need to get back to work.

“I have great respect for our paramedics and the vital work they do to protect and assist people,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“These men and women do an incredible job across the state in often difficult and dangerous circumstances. It is our responsibility to safeguard them, as they do us.”

Mr Hazzard said the funding package included a major investment in NSW Ambulance workers’ wellbeing.

“This is not just about covering workers’ incomes in the unfortunate event they are injured on the job,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Our new wellbeing program will further help prevent mental and physical injuries and support paramedics in their return to work.”

The $48 million investment includes:

• $20 million over two and a half years, then $5 million per year ongoing for a wellbeing program to include dedicated psychological, physiotherapy, and other health services aimed at ensuring paramedics stay safe and well;
• Increased income protection for paramedics injured at work to at least five years.

NSW Ambulance staff will vote on the proposal in the coming weeks.