Staff told to put names to complaints
THE Queensland Ambulance Service will only investigate allegations by paramedics that they are being overworked and bullied by superiors if staff are willing to come forward.
The bosses say they will also only investigate alleged unsafe work practices where students were put into positions alone without trained paramedics to back them up if officers will put their names to the complaints.
The response comes after revelations that a student paramedic was left in charge of the Cardwell region for several hours earlier this week.
The Weekend Post has since been inundated with calls from paramedics, students and people in senior QAS roles, voicing concerns over practices they believe are "putting lives at risk".
But all fear being named, saying they will be sacked or moved on.
"If we are given instances where people felt intimidated or they believe they are going to be sacked I would like to know about them," QAS deputy commissioner Russell Bowles said.
"Apart from gross misconduct I have never seen anyone sacked.’’
But one highly placed person in the service said there were often directives from the State Government banning staff from speaking out.
QAS assistant commissioner Peter Cahill said he would investigate any incident raised through formal channels
Share this article
Speak up: The Queensland Ambulance Service will only investigate allegations by paramedics that they are being overworked and bullied by superiors if staff are willing to come forward.

Hunt for conman
AN armed conman with victims across Australia has fleeced a Cairns woman of her savings and stolen her parents' car after promising to marry her. more
Leu reduced to tears
REBEL councillor Julia Leu was reduced to tears after being accused of disloyalty during a heated grilling by her fellow Cairns councillors. more
Race on for Amateurs outfits
THE countdown to our biggest social event has begun and so has the race to create the perfect outfit for Cairns Amateurs. more

Questions follow shooting
POLICE hope to today interview a man shot by two officers during a wild stand-off at Edmonton. more
'Too Easy' campaign pays off
IN just two weeks, the state's latest domestic tourism campaign has generated almost $1.5 million in hotel bookings. more




