INADEQUATE STAFFING A FACTOR IN PARAMEDIC'S TRAGIC DEATH

An inquest has found that inadequate manager-to-staff ratio at Ambulance Tasmania contributed to the failure to address a paramedic's erratic behavior and support his welfare, leading to his death.

The paramedic died after consuming lethal amounts of drugs he stole from Ambulance Tasmania headquarters.

The inquest criticized Ambulance Tasmania's management for not adequately addressing mental health issues among staff finding the employer failed to conduct proper investigations into medication theft, allowing the paramedic to continue diverting drugs, until his death.

The Coroner made recommendations for implementing random drug and alcohol testing, reviewing drug management policies, and conducting regular psychological assessments for employees.

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