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Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public HealthMore Press Releases related to this journalVol 37 (6 Issues in 2013)
Edited by: Professor John Lowe (Managing Editor), Professor Rod McClure, Professor Alistair Woodward, Dr Priscilla Robinson, Dr Sandra Campbell and Dr Anna Ziersch
Print ISSN: 1326-0200 Online ISSN: 1753-6405
Published on behalf of Public Health Association of Australia
Impact Factor: 1.203
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Rising energy prices cost us ambulances
Rising energy costs affect ambulance safety.
This is the finding from a study published in the February issue of Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
The study, led by Lawrence Brown, formerly with James Cook University, established an association between changes in energy prices and changes in ambulance system resources, performance and safety.
“Ambulance services require considerable resources in the form of vehicles, stations and personnel, all of which can be affected by energy costs,” Mr Brown said.
“Increasing diesel prices are associated with slower ambulance response times and rising electricity prices are associated with higher operational costs.
“Also, rising electricity prices are associated with higher rates of injury compensation claims.
“For example, extra overtime shifts to make up for staffing shortfalls could lead to worker fatigue, which has been demonstrated to increase the risk of workplace injury among ambulance personnel.
“Additional research is needed to evaluate the effects of rising energy costs on patient outcomes and other aspects of the health care system so that we may determine how best to mitigate those effects.”
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MEDIA ONLY: To receive a PDF of the paper or for more information about ANZJPH, contact: Peta Neilson ANZJPH Administration Ph: (03) 9329 3535 E-mail: anzjph@substitution.com.au
