As far as the Victorian Liberal opposition and ambulance promises go, this one is interesting.

In a media release dated 20 July 2010, the State opposition has stated that they will increase eastern metro (peripheral) ambulance cover by making the Belgrave, Emerald, and Yarra Junction branches all 24 hr branches.

Is this a good thing?

Could this funding and person power be better spent elsewhere?

Despite figures showing extended average wait times I would like to see the number of cases each of these crews attended – especially Belgrave.

I suspect Belgrave services more than just their  peripheral area and that the money could be spent on finding  Mooroolbark their own branch in a strategic position as well as finding Knox and Vermont South branches a less decrepit home.

Let us know what you think about the Liberal party promises and your own solutions as well as any other thoughts – what about the west?

Last Tuesday at a suburban petrol station a woman burned inside a car. Withstab wounds and near 100% burns she spoke to paramedics on scene.

She died later that night in hospital.

I spoke to paramedics who had heard the gruesome details first-hand from those on scene. Of how they felt that this was the worst scene a paramedic could attend. And of some paramedic’s relief that it hadn’t been them on scene.

I read in the local paper, the Knox Leader (June 8, 2010 – words by – Adrian Bernecich), about a hero grappling with the horror of the day. Dean Filmer showed all that is good about humanity by trying to help despite the carnage and danger. He’s also going to seek counselling after all that he’d witnessed.

I just hope the paramedic’s who attended this patient seek counselling themselves. No training or life experience could prepare a paramedic for what happened that day. Those that transported the woman to hospital would have had her cries and pleas in their ears for the long journey to one of the city trauma centres. They would have fought to keep her comfortable despite her skin peeling away at the slightest touch.

These people, the paramedics, will grapple with this horror for a long time to come and the community will probably never understand this battle.

To papers, like the Knox Leader, don’t forget that paramedics are people too. Nasty things take their toll.

I think they deserved a foot-note after this job.

Yes, it’s that time again.

Time to vote via telephonium on the “Proposed variation to Ambulance Victoria Enterprise Agreement 2009″.
This time it’d be nice to actually have some people voting – unlike the three people who did vote last time.
At Azureblues.com we’re not about to tell you which way to vote – suffice to say that voting is important.
Cheers and happy voting.

Rumour has it that a much loved ambo – out the east side of Melbourne – has handed back his MICA pips and picked up his “regular” ambo ones, for good.

While this is an obvious loss to the MICA community, it’s a great thing for the road crews in Melbourne.

With his experience and approachable demeanour, new students and experienced “roadies” will stand to benefit from his knowledge.

I know this from personal experience.

Good luck and best wishes.

With Melbourne mourning the tragic loss of life on the roads of Mill Park it does make me wonder. Where are the true deterrents and what can be put in place to keep our novice drivers safe?

Although this road safety report from Western Australia states that restricting the power-to-weight ratio is not proven to have a statistical effect on road fatalities involving the “yoof”, you’d be fooling yourself if you believed that hoon cars don’t beget hoons. Nanna drivers don’t usually drive Godzillas, XR6s, SSs, or 200SXs. They drive 1979 ‘Rollas or 92 Pulsars. So what should be done – in my humblest of opinions?

I agree with the new P-plate licensing including the passenger and alcohol restrictions. They’re logical. But to truly deter the rapscallions I think the devilish details should read something like this:

• <10km/hr over limit – $ fine.
• >10km/hr <20km/hr – $$ fine.
• >20km/hr <30km/hr – Car impounded for 1 month + $$$ fine + loss of license for 1 month.
• >30km/hr – Car sold by Police at auction if roadworthy + $$$ fine + loss of license for 6 months.
• >30km/hr – Car crushed and sold as scrap if not roadworthy + $$$ fine + loss of license for 6 months.

Simple to understand and would act as a deterrent. These fools of drivers really need to understand that actions have consequences. Time for them to grow up I reckon and get out from behind mummies skirt.

And a quick message to those parents out there that buy little Johnnies first car – and make it a “go faster” expensive one. This habit does not teach little Johnny to value the privilege of driving. Get him to save up his K-Mart wages and buy something himself.

The 1990 Barina ain’t so bad.

I’ll leave you with a couple of thoughts.

The first is with regards to the recent tragedy and comes from a paramedic on the scene. Paramedic Ron McLeod stated – “It was just carnage everywhere”, and that it was the worst he’d seen in 30 years. Those images will haunt Ron and the other attending emergency services personnel for the rest of their lives. That is not fair to them or their families.

And lastly – to the families of those affected by this and other tragedies. Try not to dwell on what has past (it goes without saying that this disaster will stay with you forever) – instead use those feelings as a catalyst for change. Educate anyone you meet. You can and will make a difference.