Paramedics have one of Australia’s most dangerous jobs — and not just because of the trauma they witness

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Sawyer, Simon, Boyle, Malcolm and Lawn, Sharon. (2020). Paramedics have one of Australia’s most dangerous jobs — and not just because of the trauma they witness The Conversation Media Group.
AuthorsSawyer, Simon, Boyle, Malcolm and Lawn, Sharon
Abstract

[Extract] Allegations of widespread sex discrimination and gender-based bullying among Ambulance Victoria staff have highlighted just some of the problems faced by paramedics.

Since the allegations came to light last month, Ambulance Victoria has engaged the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission to investigate.

While these reports are reason enough for drastic action, they are just part of a broader pattern of poor physical and mental health among Australian paramedics. The profession needs to change, and rapidly.

Paramedicine is one of the most dangerous jobs in Australia, according to epidemiologist Brian Maguire, who has researched violence against paramedics.

Keywordsparamedicine; paramedics; sex-based discrimination; gender-based discrimination; violence; trauma
Year12 Nov 2020
PublisherThe Conversation Media Group
ISSN2201-5639
Web address (URL)https://theconversation.com/paramedics-have-one-of-australias-most-dangerous-jobs-and-not-just-because-of-the-trauma-they-witness-149540
Research or scholarlyScholarly
Publisher's version
License
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Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online12 Nov 2020
Publication process dates
Deposited12 Apr 2022
JournalThe Conversation
Open accessOpen access
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