Today’s correspondent is:
… wondering where it stands with NSW SES and RFS being used as the first aid provider at events to cut costs. I own an event first aid business and I’m finding it more and more common
Michael Eburn, PhD, is associated with publications focusing on legal issues related to emergency services, industrial relations, and public safety in Australia. The content often analyzes court decisions, regulatory frameworks, and legal disputes involving fire and rescue services, paramedics, and related unions. Topics include unfair dismissal cases, ministerial powers in emergency services, liability and safety regulations in rural fire contexts, and legal responses to emergency incidents. The publications provide detailed commentary on procedural and substantive legal matters affecting emergency personnel and organizations, highlighting the intersection of law, public safety, and employment relations.
Today’s correspondent is:
… wondering where it stands with NSW SES and RFS being used as the first aid provider at events to cut costs. I own an event first aid business and I’m finding it more and more common…
The facts in Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia v Butler [2026] TASCAT 136 simply beg the question ‘what was she thinking?’
Ms Butler was a registered nurse. In February 2017 ‘she applied to undertake professional honours in a Bachelor…
A doctor in Victoria has been reprimanded and suspended for six months after he struck a patient in the face, twice, and abused him. The longer story is that the patient ‘was verbally and physically aggressive’ (Medical Board of Australia…
The decision in Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Hollard Insurance Partners Limited [2026] FCA 1487 is not of direct application to emergency responders but I thought it would interest readers and particularly those in the SES.
The traditional rule…
Today’s question comes from
… a volunteer member of the NSW RFS [who is] … currently trying to put together an (Enterprise) Agreement for members of the NSW RFS.
As you know employees or workers for businesses have Awards, Enterprise Agreements or Individual Contracts…
I have previously reported on the case of Ms Music – see NSW liable for excessive use of force by police acting under the Mental Health Act (November 27, 2025). There were appeals in this case by both Ms Music and…
Mr Heaton, aged 35, was studying to be a paramedic. In August 2025 a disgruntled Mr Heaton damaged the vehicle belonging to the wife of man he was having a dispute with. He also threw a brick threw their house window…
Today’s question is about authority and control at a NSW motor vehicle accident (MVA). My correspondent says:
I am writing to seek clarification on Motor Vehicle Accident/Motor Vehicle Collision (MVA/MVC) incidents and the control and legal arrangements in NSW within…
Today’s question comes from a paramedic
… concerned by recent news of NSW Police assaulting a patient being wheeled into a hospital. Can you please help me to understand the ability; if it exists for a Paramedic to step in…
Today’s question comes from Queensland and raises the issue of student access to ‘The Viewer’. My correspondent says they are advised that students:
… should not access patient information [on the Viewer] unless there is clear lawful authority to do so.…