Carinthia’s paramedics are sounding the alarm: the courageous emergency services are increasingly being used as free hospital taxis, which often means that ‘real’ patients have to wait. The shortage of doctors also plays a role.
“I often feel like I’m a private driver and not a paramedic,” a Red Cross volunteer told the “Krone”. “If you pick up an elderly patient to take him for an examination, even though his adult children are parked in their car in front of the house, then you already think about your role.” , is aware of this problem.
“80 to 85 percent of our daily work involves ambulance or patient transport. These are our core tasks – and we generally enjoy doing them. However, operations that are not actually necessary not only require the strength of our brave paramedics, but also time and resources. This can be particularly problematic during night shifts with fewer vehicles and emergency personnel. After all, we are also on a rescue mission and have to respond to emergencies.”
Another paramedic reports to the “Krone” that there are also patients who call the emergency number because they want to save themselves a trip to the doctor. Pirz is also not unfamiliar with such cases. However, we must not forget: “Such cases, especially in rural areas, are due to the lack of family doctors.” Two cheeky young people recently caused particular irritation among the emergency services. The two had called the emergency number because one of them was probably feeling extremely unwell – that is how they reported to the control room by telephone.
“Intentional misuse can have consequences”
When they finally arrived at the hospital in Klagenfurt, twenty kilometers away, the boys thanked them rudely for the transport and walked out of the ambulance in good spirits and good health. “Fortunately, such deliberate abuse of our emergency services is an absolutely exceptional case. And everyone must be aware that this can also have consequences,” warns the Red Cross chairman.
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.
