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 Home News General
Ambulance safety must be investigated03 August 2005The Health Services Union today called on the Bracks Government to investigate the safety of all rural GMC ambulances after one experienced serious engine failure earlier this year in Shepparton. According to today's Shepparton News, a Rural Ambulance Victoria (RAV) accident report shows that the ambulance overshot its intended turn by 70 metres and ended up in a paddock - after losing its brakes and steering. The newspaper also reports that other Shepparton GMC ambulances have also experienced engine failure. Ms Terrie Seymour, HSU spokeswoman said that is was crucial that all of RAV's GMC ambulances were immediately assessed to make sure they were safe for paramedics, patients and the broader community. "The Bracks Government cannot just stand by and ignore this problem - they must urgently investigate this shocking incident,' Ms Seymour said. The HSU called for an inquiry into the safety of all of RAV's GMC vehicles earlier this year after the Sunday Herald Sun revealed that 13 of the vehicles had breakdowns and engine failures between December and April. "The high level of mechanical failure in these vehicles is not acceptable - these ambulances are ticking time bombs,' Ms Seymour said. Ms Seymour said that workers would not just stand by while the vehicles posed such a risk to patients. "It is time the Bracks Government cleaned up this mess and held RAV accountable," Ms Seymour said. "How many more ambulance breakdowns in regional Victoria will it take before the Bracks Government steps in to ensure both workers and patients are safe in these vehicles?" Ms Seymour said. |
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© 2003 Health Services Union (HSU) |
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