The paramedics save lives every day in Vienna. But many of them have burned out. And conditions have deteriorated rapidly, two of them describe.
From the emergency room, where the call is taken, to the paramedics and emergency doctors rushing to help, every member of the professional rescue team does an almost superhuman job. On average, it only takes a few minutes from the call to the arrival of the emergency services. But it’s not always an emergency, as a paramedic who’s been there for more than a decade describes to “Krone.”
‘Sometimes have an occupancy rate of 130 percent’
“We are now often a taxi. This is also due to the central’s automatic query system,” criticizes M. A layman can ask like “is the patient breathing normally?” not answer correctly. That would always result in an emergency situation where there is none. As a result, no adequate team can be dispatched in real emergencies. “We sometimes have an occupancy rate of 130 percent. Many people are unable and unwilling to take responsibility for this anymore,” says M. That is why many colleagues have resigned since the summer alone.
“It even happens that ambulances are sent to acute emergencies,” confirms paramedic J. However, these transports are not equipped for this. It is also difficult for paramedics to come to the hospitals. You would have driven around for an hour with intensive care patients. Reason: There were no free beds anywhere.
cover-up discovered
With the closure of outpatient clinics in individual clinics, the road is now further. “It takes time when we could already take care of other patients. We’re all burnt out. But nothing changes,” he says. In addition, there is aggression from patients or family members. “We go out with the police at least twice a day, we have to be spat on and insulted,” says W. “Health care is gone. That’s my summary,” said the paramedic, and, “It’s being covered up until it’s impossible.”
When questioned by “Krone”, the professional rescue service denied that attacks on personnel had increased. And the number of redundancies must also be kept within limits. Ambulances have been confirmed to be sent to operations – but only in minor cases. And the organization also supports the control room’s criticized survey schedule. About the waiting times in the ambulance for an intensive care bed it says: “With the care network we always find the right care.” The office of alderman Peter Hacker (SPÖ) had nothing more to add to these answers.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
