From the President
Dear Members,
Sadly, we recently witnessed the devastating outcome of workplace violence which resulted in the tragic loss of life, within our prehospital community. Tragically a NSW Paramedic was stabbed to death whilst on duty last week in Sydney. It sent shockwaves throughout the community. We offer our sincerest condolences to the fallen paramedic’s family, friends, and colleagues at NSW Ambulance. We also acknowledge with the utmost respect and appreciation, the heroic efforts by the emergency and trauma services who were involved in caring for him at his time of greatest need. Everyone has the right to feel safe at work and to return to family and friends following the completion of their day.
Workplace violence in the pre-hospital and healthcare settings is a global issue that affects us all. In Australia and New Zealand, the culture of workplace violence in these domains has been of growing concern. Addressing this culture of violence requires a multi-faceted approach that involves changing attitudes, promoting a positive work environment, and implementing policies and procedures to prevent and respond to incidents of violence.
Our pre-hospital teams along with our trauma and emergency departments are critical components of the healthcare system, providing urgent medical care to patients in need. The professionals who work within these environments are at an increased risk of workplace violence due to factors such as the unpredictable nature of their work, the high stress levels, long hours, and exposure to individuals with a history of trauma and violence. Addressing workplace violence in these areas as well as across all healthcare settings is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of healthcare workers, patients, and visitors.
By fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and communication among staff members, promoting awareness of workplace violence, and providing staff with the resources they need to manage their workload effectively, healthcare networks can help prevent incidents of workplace violence and create a safer environment for all stakeholders.
Everyone has the right to feel safe, and to feel cared for. Let’s work together to ensure that each and every colleague is protected from violence in their workplace whether that is out in the community or within the walls of an institution.
Stay safe out there.
