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The VAU has advocated against additional caseload for ambulance crews as a result of decriminalising public intoxication.

Under the reform, there is no change to the ESTA dispatch grid that would see ambulance crews sent to cases the police were previously sent to. Police are still dispatched to intoxicated people unless there is a medical emergency.

There is also no change under this reform to the responsibility of ambulance and police at a scene. If a patient requires transport to a hospital, AV will be required to transport, if not police maintain responsibility at the scene until sobering services arrive or transport arrangements are organised.

It is important that these reforms are carefully monitored and the VAU is keen to hear of any examples of ambulance crews being inappropriately dispatched to cases or directed to transport intoxicated persons because of this reform.

The VAU is meeting with the Department of Health in coming weeks as part of the roll out of the public intoxication reform. Please report any examples to the VAU so we can raise these with the Department.

In solidarity,