Pinnaroo ambulance crew walk out over captain’s suspension pending inquiry
Pinnaroo ambulance captain Robert Berlin, 70, has been stood down after nearly five decades of service, prompting the town’s volunteer crew to walk off the job in protest. Community leaders and local MPs are calling for an independent investigation, while volunteers say they will return once one is launched.
Allegations circulating online include failing to provide a vegan meal for a visiting staff member, knocking loudly on the station door, speaking aggressively during a patient incident and misusing SAAS facilities. The service says some online claims are inaccurate and that allegations will be handled under its procedures; it has arranged cover using volunteers from elsewhere and paid staff. Berlin received the Ambulance Service Medal in 2019 and had managed 12 volunteers.
- Pinnaroo’s ambulance captain has been stood down after nearly 50 years.
- The local volunteer crew has walked off in protest.
- Community leaders are seeking an independent investigation.
New here? Start with this
Robert Berlin served as captain of Pinnaroo's ambulance station for nearly fifty years and received the Ambulance Service Medal in 2019. He has recently been stood down pending an investigation into allegations against him.
The allegations include failing to provide a vegan meal for a visiting staff member, knocking loudly on the station door, speaking aggressively during a patient incident, and misusing facilities. The ambulance service says some claims circulating online are inaccurate and that it will handle the allegations through its proper procedures.
The suspension has prompted community leaders and MPs to call for an independent investigation into the matter. The high profile of the case relates to Berlin's long service and reputation in the community.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A paramedic with nearly fifty years of service and an Ambulance Service Medal has been suspended based on allegations mixing minor administrative matters with conduct concerns. His crew's walkout and community leaders' calls for an independent investigation reflect genuine concerns about transparency, proportionality, and whether due process has been properly observed.
The case against
Long service does not exempt individuals from accountability when misconduct is alleged, and suspension pending investigation is proper procedure. Allegations regarding conduct during patient incidents warrant thorough investigation given their potential impact on patient care and safety; established procedures exist precisely to examine such matters fairly, and arranged cover ensures patients remain protected.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Outrage as decorated Aussie ambulance volunteer is stood down over claims he failed to provide a vegan meal – and now an entire town is up in arms”.