Paid ambulance officer

Kununurra may have a fulltime paid ambulance officer by the middle of January if the union doesn't interfere.

The Kimberley Echo has been told it was planned to install a 'remote rural paramedic practitioner' in the town.

St John management wants to place a single officer in Kununurra to assist in recruitment, retention, training and assisting volunteers complete calls.

The position would also entail liasing with health professionals within the town and other community groups to promote the ambulance service.

However, the union associated with paid officers the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union has raised concerns as to the safety of a single officer working by themselves and the possibility of volunteers taking a 'backstage' when paramedic/s enter a town.

It claims concern about a single officer attending calls in a vehicle by themselves and the current 'guidelines', which requires two officers to deliver any medications.

The union was due to meet in Perth on Friday to discuss the issue.

At the time of going to press, details of the meeting's outcome were not available.

Meanwhile in Kununurra, police are being forced to man the service when volunteers are not available.

Although there is no shortage of trained volunteers in Kununurra, the treatment they receive from some sectors of the community and being used as a 'taxi' has turned many away from their volunteer efforts.