News

Over the last month, the Victorian Ambulance Union Incorporated (VAU) have received numerous reports from members stating that they have not been given enough time to take a meal break since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this limited time, members have been taking meal breaks on the side of the road, without proper access to clean drinking water, toilets, hand washing facilities or a clean place to eat.  

Meal break amenities are a minimum requirement at every workplace, not least during a pandemic. Because of this fact, the VAU directly raised member concerns about inadequate facilities with the Department of Human and Health Services (DHHS).

Since raising these concerns the DHHS have issued a directive to CEO’s of hospitals and health services that appropriate amenities must be made available for both Paramedics and Non-Emergency Patient Transport officers to take their meal breaks. This will give crews the additional option of taking a meal break at a hospital rather than returning to branch.

Key Points/Q&A

When will this directive come into effect?

On 30 April 2020 DHHS published a Special Bulletin issuing the direction, which was effective from 5pm, Friday 1 May 2020 (currently operative). The bulletin states the following:

Ambulance crews – eating space for meal breaks.

Paramedics and Non-Emergency Patient Transport officers require space to eat a meal and use restroom facilities during their shifts.

• Space is required to accommodate a maximum of 6-8 people with appropriate physical distancing.

• All public hospitals and health services should ensure a space is made available for paramedics and non-emergency patient transport officers. This could include staff rooms, unused meeting rooms or public cafes (noting these would not be for use by members of the public). Facilities to heat a meal should be accessible to crews. Emergency Department staff rooms could be utilised for this purpose.

• Access should be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Toilet facilities should also be accessible to crews.

• Please ensure these arrangements are in place by 5pm Friday 1 May.

Does this include private shifts?

Yes, the DHHS Special Bulletin covers Paramedics and NEPT employees, and does not differentiate between AV and private shifts.

What should I do if I am directed to take a meal break on the side of the road, or the travel time doesn’t allow me to get to the break room provided?

Ask to speak to the AV Duty Manager (DM), your private shift Branch/Team Leader, or after-hours DM and remind them that there is a break room at your nearest hospital that can be used. You should be directed to the closest available facility in your area. Do not have your meal break in your ambulance. The DM or your employer will direct you to the nearest appropriate place to eat. In the unlikely event that the DHHS directive is not followed by your superiors, complete an incident report and notify the VAU.

Next steps

The VAU have been working on this issue not only to assist affected members but for the whole Ambulance industry. This direction from DHHS recognises that you should have a break area with appropriate amenities.

We hope that this direction will give members a level of comfort in relation to their right to feel safe at work. If you have any questions regarding this bulletin, please feel free to contact your NEPT organisers on the details below:

Bruce Fine 0480 194 711

Email : [email protected]

Kerry McLean 0480 194 783

Email : [email protected]