In recent days we have heard in the media of an AV crew being sent to a premises where a Covid positive person had devastatingly died only 6 hours prior. No system was in place to warn the crew of the Covid status of the premises. In March and April of 2020 the AEAV proposed a central registry of Covid premises to DoH and AV. DoH (previously DHSS) rejected the proposal in meetings claiming that it was too difficult and there were issues with confidentiality. An email was sent to DoH which was ignored.
A couple of months ago the DoH announced that they were finally implementing the scheme and were patting themselves on the back for their efforts to protect workers. In a meeting with DoH officials 2 weeks ago they confirmed that the program had started and that AV would be informing crews of the Covid risk prior to arrival. Clearly that has not happened. AV and DoH have dragged their feet on this for 17 months and in doing so have increased the risk and anxiety not only for frontline workers, but also their families.
‘FOR CAUSE’ TESTING FOR AOD
Following the recent unjustified targeting of an AEAV member we have again written to AV to challenge their approach to “For Cause” testing for Alcohol and Other Drugs. The first response from AV was contemptuous, disingenuous and dismissive and showed no understanding of the impact on staff. The current processes are not transparent and leave staff feeling targeted because AV refuses to provide justification for singling out individuals. Read the latest letter HERE.
AEAV RESPONSE TO MEDIUM ACUITY TRANSPORT SERVICE (MATS)
The AEAV has written to AV to confirm that qualified paramedics who take up a role in the Medium Acuity Transport Service will be paid the Operational Crewing Allowance. AV disputed that Clinical Instructors were necessary for the role, however the AEAV believes this does not release them from their obligations under the AVEA 2020. The Agreement requires payment of the allowance to those who form a crew and perform operational duties training a GAP1. To read the letter click HERE.
BREAKING NEWS: AV have today confirmed verbally that in response to our letter, paramedics seconded to the MATS program will be paid the Operational Crewing Allowance when working with GAP1’s.
CHANGES TO AIR AMBULANCE VICTORIA
On August 20, 2021 the AEAV wrote to Ambulance Victoria on behalf of Air Ambulance members to call out AV’s failure to consult with staff and Health and Safety Representatives in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 regarding building works at the Essendon Airbase. You can read our letter to AV HERE and AV’s response HERE.
MEMBER SURVEY
Expect to see a survey in your inbox next week! The AEAV are conducting an opinion survey of members to inform and improve union campaigns and member benefits. Have a look HERE for a preview of the survey.
REMINDER – EXPANDED CPD ACCESS THROUGH TALISIUM – CHANGES COMING SEPTEMBER 20
The AEAV has renegotiated our contract with Talisium and is now able to offer our members even greater access to the learning provider. Talisium is your one stop shop for complying with registration requirements or professional development and it is FREE to all AEAV members. The new offer means that as an AEAV member you have full access to the extensive range of courses.
If you would like to continue to access Talisium’s large catalogue of professional learning for free, please click HERE.
JOKE OF THE WEEK
Two men are adrift in a lifeboat for days. While rummaging through the boat’s provisions, one of the men stumbles across an old lamp. When he touches it, a genie comes forth. This genie, however, states that she can deliver only one wish, not the standard three. Without giving much thought, one man blurts out, “Make the entire ocean into beer!” The genie claps her hands and the entire sea turns into brew.
The other man looks disappointingly at the one who made the wish and says, “Nice going! Now we’re going to have to pee in the boat.”
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, if you have any issues, questions or queries, get in touch by leaving a message on 9287 1713 or email [email protected]
And most importantly, please stay safe out there.
Brett Adie – AEAV Secretary
Authorised by Brett Adie, AEAV Secretary
833 Bourke St, Docklands, VIC 3008AEAV member queries: (03) 9287 1713 [email protected]
