Trending Topics

Fatigued Australian medics demand changes to on-call system

The roster ensures 24-hour ambulance coverage, but medics say over four consecutive days it means they’re available for duty all 96 hours

SOUTH AUSTRALIA — Sleep-deprived paramedics in regional South Australia are demanding roster changes because they fear they could be a danger to patients.

An on-call system is used in country areas to ensure 24-hour ambulance coverage, and saves money by rostering officers overnight after they have finished their full-day shift.

A roster over four consecutive days effectively leaves ambulance officers available for duty for 96 hours.

Read full story: Sleep-deprived SA paramedics demand ‘safer’ rosters fearing risk to patients

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU