1. Purpose
This policy outlines the requirements for the wearing, maintenance, and care of uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE) by QEMS employees and members. The purpose is to:
• Ensure the safety of staff and patients.
• Maintain a professional and consistent appearance.
• Comply with workplace health and safety obligations.
• Support operational readiness and public confidence in QEMS.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all:
• QEMS employees (full-time, part-time, and casual).
• QEMS members, volunteers, and trainees.
• Contractors or affiliates where uniforms/PPE are provided or required.
3. Uniform Standards
3.1 General Requirements
• The QEMS uniform must be worn while on duty, during training, and when representing QEMS in an official capacity.
• Uniforms must be clean, tidy, and in good repair at all times.
• No unauthorised alterations to uniforms are permitted.
• QEMS identification (e.g., name badge, patches, or ID cards) must be visible as directed.
3.2 Professional Appearance
• Footwear must be enclosed, and suitable for operational duties.
• Hair must be clean, neat, and secured to prevent interference with duties.
• Jewellery should be minimal and not pose a safety risk.
• Tattoos, if visible, must not be offensive or inappropriate.
• Only QEMS-approved accessories (caps, belts, jackets, etc.) are permitted with the uniform.
3.3 Off-Duty Use
• Uniforms must not be worn when off duty, except when travelling directly to or from work.
• The uniform must not be used for personal or non-QEMS activities without authorisation.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
4.1 Issued PPE
QEMS will provide members and employees with PPE appropriate to their role, which may include:
• High-visibility vests or jackets.
• Helmets or protective headgear.
• Safety glasses or face shields.
• Gloves (medical, rescue, or protective).
• Respiratory protection (masks, respirators).
• Protective footwear or boots.
4.2 Use of PPE
• PPE must be worn as directed in operational environments, training, and incidents.
• Members and employees are responsible for ensuring PPE is correctly fitted and used.
• PPE must not be modified or misused.
4.3 Care and Replacement
• Staff must maintain PPE in a clean and serviceable condition.
• Damaged, faulty, or missing PPE must be reported immediately to a supervisor.
• QEMS will replace worn or defective PPE at no cost to the employee/member.
5. Responsibilities
• Employees and Members: Wear uniforms and PPE in compliance with this policy, maintain them appropriately, and report issues.
• Supervisors/Managers: Monitor compliance, ensure staff are properly equipped, and arrange replacements when needed.
• QEMS Leadership: Provide adequate resources to ensure safe, professional, and consistent uniforms and PPE.
6. Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
• Removal from duty until compliance is achieved.
• Formal warnings or disciplinary action.
• Exclusion from operational activities if safety is compromised.
7. Completion of employment, event or dismisal
• At end of employment with QEMS all uniforms must be returned in a neat, clean condition. Failure to do so in a timley manner will result in issuing an invoice of $1500 to the idividual in order to replace, payable within 7 days.
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the requirements and procedures for cancelling or withdrawing from scheduled shifts at QEMS. Its aim is to:
• Ensure adequate staffing to maintain safe and effective service delivery.
• Provide fairness and consistency in shift management.
• Minimise disruption to patient care and operations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all:
• QEMS employees (full-time, part-time, and casual).
• QEMS members, volunteers, and trainees scheduled for operational shifts.
3. General Principles
• Reliability and attendance are critical to QEMS operations.
• Cancellations should be avoided wherever possible.
• Where unavoidable, cancellations must follow the procedures outlined in this policy.
• Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action or removal from rostering.
4. Cancellation by Employees or Members
4.1 Notice Period
• Staff/members who cannot attend a scheduled shift must notify the Roster Coordinator or Duty Manager as soon as possible.
• At least 48 hours’ notice is required for non-emergency cancellations.
• Where less than 48 hours’ notice is given, a valid reason (e.g., illness, emergency, family responsibility) must be provided.
4.2 Reporting Process
• Notification must be made by phone to the Direct Line-Manager (not via text or email unless authorised).
• If unfit for duty due to illness, a medical certificate may be required for repeated or extended absences.
5. Cancellation by QEMS
• QEMS reserves the right to cancel or change shifts due to operational needs (e.g., low demand, resource reallocation, emergencies).
• Staff/members will be notified as early as practicable, preferably no later than 12 hours before the shift start time.
• Where possible, affected staff/members may be offered an alternative shift.
6. No-Show/Failure to Notify
• Failure to attend a shift without notice (“no-show”) is a serious breach of this policy.
• First offence: May result in a formal warning.
• Repeated offences: May result in removal from rosters, disciplinary action, or termination of membership/employment.
7. Responsibilities
• Employees and Members: Attend all confirmed shifts or follow cancellation procedures promptly.
• Supervisors/Managers: Ensure adequate staffing and manage replacement coverage. Record cancellations and monitor compliance with this policy.
Queensland Emergency Medical Services (QEMS)
1. Purpose
This policy establishes the requirements for reporting and managing incidents at QEMS, and the obligations of staff and members to maintain confidentiality. It ensures:
• Incidents are reported promptly and accurately.
• Risks to health, safety, and operations are managed effectively.
• Sensitive information is protected and handled in compliance with legislation and QEMS policies.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all:
• QEMS employees (full-time, part-time, and casual).
• QEMS members, volunteers, and trainees.
• Contractors or affiliates where uniforms/PPE are provided or required.
3. Definitions
• Incident: Any event that results in, or has the potential to result in, injury, illness, property damage, operational disruption, patient harm, or a breach of confidentiality.
• Confidential Information: Any personal, medical, operational, or sensitive data obtained through QEMS duties that is not publicly available.
4. Incident Reporting
4.1 What Must Be Reported
Incidents that must be reported include (but are not limited to):
• Workplace injuries, illnesses, or near misses.
• Patient safety incidents.
• Equipment or vehicle faults, failures, or damage.
• Breaches of privacy, security, or confidentiality.
• Unprofessional or unsafe behaviour.
• Any event that may affect QEMS operations or reputation.
4.2 Reporting Process
• Incidents must be reported as soon as practicable to a supervisor or manager.
• An official Incident Report Form must be completed within 24 hours of the event.
• Serious incidents (e.g., fatalities, major injuries, critical equipment failure) must be reported immediately and escalated to QEMS Directors.
4.3 Investigation and Follow-Up
• QEMS management will investigate reported incidents to determine causes and corrective actions.
• Findings will be shared with relevant stakeholders, while maintaining confidentiality.
• Corrective actions will be tracked to ensure risks are reduced.
5. Confidentiality
5.1 General Obligations
• All staff and members must treat incident details as confidential.
• Information may only be shared with those directly involved in investigation, management, or resolution.
• Personal or medical details must be protected in line with the QEMS Privacy Policy and relevant legislation.
5.2 Patient Confidentiality
• Patient information must never be disclosed outside of operational requirements, except where legally required (e.g., coronial investigation, law enforcement request).
5.3 Breach of Confidentiality
• Unauthorised disclosure of confidential information is a serious breach of this policy and may result in disciplinary action, termination, or referral to external authorities.
6. Responsibilities
• Employees and Members: Report incidents promptly, complete documentation accurately, and uphold confidentiality.
• Supervisors/Managers: Ensure incidents are reported, investigated, and corrective actions are taken.
• QEMS Leadership: Maintain systems for reporting and investigating incidents, and ensure compliance with confidentiality obligations.
7. Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
• Removal from duty.
• Disciplinary action (warnings, suspension, termination).
• Referral to legal or regulatory authorities.
1. Purpose
The QEMS Code of Conduct sets the standards of professional behaviour expected of all members and employees. It promotes integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence in the delivery of emergency medical services and ensures a safe, fair, and professional workplace.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all:
• QEMS employees (full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary staff).
• QEMS members and volunteers.
• Contractors, trainees, and affiliates engaged in QEMS activities.
3. Principles of Conduct
3.1 Professionalism
• Perform duties with diligence, competence, and honesty.
• Maintain high standards of personal presentation and behaviour.
• Comply with laws, regulations, and QEMS policies at all times.
3.2 Integrity and Accountability
• Act ethically, avoid conflicts of interest, and declare any potential conflicts.
• Use QEMS resources responsibly and only for authorised purposes.
• Take responsibility for actions and decisions, and report errors or misconduct promptly.
3.3 Respect and Fair Treatment
• Treat colleagues, patients, and the public with dignity, courtesy, and fairness.
• Support a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, and bullying.
• Value diversity and foster an inclusive environment.
3.4 Confidentiality and Privacy
• Protect the privacy of patients, members, and employees.
• Only access or share personal or sensitive information when authorised and necessary for operational duties.
• Comply with the QEMS Privacy Policy and relevant legislation.
3.5 Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Follow workplace health and safety procedures at all times.
• Report hazards, incidents, or unsafe practices immediately.
• Maintain personal fitness for duty, including managing fatigue and avoiding impairment from alcohol or drugs.
3.6 Patient Care
• Prioritise patient safety, dignity, and wellbeing in all actions.
• Provide care that is respectful, compassionate, and evidence-based.
• Recognise and act within the limits of training and professional competence.
3.7 Teamwork and Collaboration
• Work cooperatively with colleagues and partner agencies.
• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively.
• Share knowledge and support the development of others.
4. Unacceptable Behaviour
Examples of conduct that breach this policy include (but are not limited to):
• Harassment, bullying, or discrimination.
• Misuse of QEMS property, equipment, or resources.
• Falsifying records or providing misleading information.
• Disrespectful or aggressive behaviour toward patients, the public, or colleagues.
• Breaching confidentiality or privacy obligations.
• Attending duty under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
5. Reporting Misconduct
• Concerns about breaches of this Code should be reported to a supervisor, manager, or the QEMS Directors.
• Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated promptly, fairly, and without victimisation.
6. Consequences of Breach
Breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including:
• Counselling or retraining.
• Formal warnings.
• Suspension or termination of employment/membership.
• Referral to external authorities where required.
7. Responsibilities
• All members and employees: Uphold this Code at all times.
• Supervisors and managers: Model appropriate behaviour and address breaches.
• QEMS leadership: Support an ethical culture and ensure policies are followed.
1. Purpose
Queensland Emergency Medical Services (QEMS) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all personal information collected from its members and employees. This policy outlines how QEMS manages, uses, and safeguards personal information in compliance with relevant Australian privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
QEMS employees (full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary staff).
QEMS members and volunteers.
Contractors, trainees, and affiliates engaged in QEMS activities.
3. What Information We Collect
QEMS may collect the following types of information:
• Personal details: name, date of birth, gender, address, contact details.
• Employment information: qualifications, work history, training records, payroll details, emergency contact information.
• Health information: medical conditions, immunisation records, fitness assessments, and other information necessary for ensuring health and safety.
• Operational data: rostering, attendance, incident reports, and performance records.
• Membership information: applications, background checks, compliance documentation, and professional registrations.
4. How We Collect Information
We collect information through:
• Employment and membership application forms.
• Training and operational activities.
• Incident and workplace reporting systems.
• Direct communication (in person, email, phone, or digital platforms).
• Lawful information-sharing with regulatory bodies when required.
5. How We Use Information
Personal information is collected and used to:
• Manage employment and membership records.
• Ensure workplace health, safety, and operational readiness.
• Provide payroll and HR administration.
• Verify qualifications and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct training, audits, and performance reviews.
• Meet legal and regulatory obligations.
• Support wellbeing, safety, and emergency response capability.
6. Disclosure of Information
QEMS will not sell or share personal information for unrelated purposes. Information may be disclosed to:
• Government and regulatory authorities where legally required.
• Health and safety professionals (e.g., for medical fitness or workplace incidents).
• Insurance providers (for claims, workers’ compensation, or risk management).
• IT service providers, payroll processors, and other contracted service providers (with confidentiality agreements in place).
7. Storage and Security
• Personal information is stored securely in physical and electronic records.
• Access is restricted to authorised personnel only.
• QEMS uses appropriate security safeguards, including password protection, secure servers, and data encryption where applicable.
• Records are retained in line with legislative requirements and securely destroyed when no longer needed.
8. Confidentiality Obligations of Staff and Members
All QEMS employees and members are required to:
• Treat personal information of colleagues, patients, and the public with confidentiality.
• Only access or disclose personal information when authorised and necessary for operational duties.
• Report any suspected privacy breaches immediately.
9. Privacy Breaches
QEMS will respond promptly to privacy breaches in accordance with the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme under the Privacy Act.