NOTE- in the first version of this I did not make it clear that I intended to ask about the South Australian Ambulance Service and Ambulance Victoria rather than paramedics working in other areas. I’ve amended the post, below, to
Michael Eburn, PhD
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.
Michael Eburn, PhD Blogs
Blog Authors
Latest from Michael Eburn, PhD
Photos of patient’s who assault paramedics
By M. Eburn
Today’s correspondent is seeking advice on privacy laws. They say:
I am a WHS HSR [Work Health and Safety, Health and Safety Representative] and was wanting to get photos made of people who assault paramedics in our area displayed on…
Paramedics and the Advance Health Directive (Queensland)
By M. Eburn
Today I’m asked to comment on the Advance Health Directive (Queensland) and its application to paramedic practice. My correspondent says:
I am wondering what utility the QLD Advance Health Directive has in paramedic practice, specifically section 4 Directions About Life-Sustaining…
Doctor’s photo book leads to reprimand and fine.
By M. Eburn
I have previously reported on issues that arise for emergency services personnel when taking photos (see https://australianemergencylaw.com/?s=photo) and in particular the risk for health professionals such as paramedics – see:
…
Driving on a road closed due to an emergency – WA
By M. Eburn
Today’s correspondent says:
I understand in WA that during an emergency:
“Traffic Controllers in attendance at a road closure do not have the authority to prevent access, but may take details of the registration plate number of any road user…
Transfer from hospital to home care, does the NFR still apply?
By M. Eburn
Today’s question comes from a person who works:
… for a Hospital in the Home (HITH)/virtual care service in NSW, where patients remain admitted as inpatients under the hospital but receive care in the community/home environment.
I’ve been told that…
‘What a difference a day [or three days] makes…’ Part 2
By M. Eburn
In my post ‘What a difference a day [or three days] makes…’ (June 3, 2025) I reported on the case of State of Tasmania (Department of Health) Ambulance Tasmania v SGC [2025] TASCAT 111. The issue was on what date was the ambulance…
Confidentiality of health records – employer provided health service
By M. Eburn
Today’s question relates to the confidentiality of medical records held by a health facility established by an employer or Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (a PCBU). The context is a:
… mine site and commercially employed paramedics and nurses.
…
“Paramedics are facing more danger on the job. Here’s how to protect them”
By M. Eburn
That’s the heading of an article in The Conversation (14 May 2026) written by Erin Smith and Cameron Anderson (and I note here that I too have co-authored with Erin see A new publication (November 14, 2016)).
In this article…
Drugs off duty
By M. Eburn
Following a seminar I presented for the Australasian College of Paramedicine I received these follow up questions:
Scenario #1: Commercial flight
If I were on a commercial flight and a passenger went into anaphylactic shock, but there was no EpiPen…