The vaccine dilemma facing volunteers

THE debate is raging on both sides.

Volunteers wish to return to their voluntary emergency service roles and emergency service organisations are required by law to follow the pandemic public health orders, and as such, worker vaccination requirements.

To date emergency services workers are still required to be triple vaccinated, which includes Victoria State Emergency Services, Country Fire Authority and lifesaving services.

Volunteers are frustrated at what they believe are inconsistent restrictions.

“I have been a CFA volunteer for over 20 years,” one volunteer, who wished to remain anonymous, explained.

“I have chosen not to be triple vaccinated.

“I cannot assist at a fire or a motor vehicle accident. I cannot attend meetings. I cannot undertake training… I cannot step foot inside my station. I am definitely not allowed on or near the truck.”

Though as the individual highlighted, they could attend the MCG and stand with 80,000 unmasked spectators, they could also meet up with any number of their fellow volunteers at any venue, as long as it wasn’t CFA business.

“But I can’t stand in a smoke-filled paddock with a P2 mask at the end of a hose thirty metres from a member on a pump.”

The individual’s statement comes as organisations across the shire and state are screaming for more members.

“There’s a percentage who remain unvaccinated because they reasonably objected to being compelled to take vaccines that only have provisional TGA approval and regard their right to informed consent and bodily autonomy as actually rather important,” they stated. 

“There are those who had adverse reactions especially to their second doses. And others who see that the virus is basically endemic and as even triple-dosed people can contract and transmit the disease, maybe it’s time to let the adaptive immunity of otherwise healthy individuals do what it’s been designed to do by millions of years of evolution.

“Their (state government) whole approach has long been disappointing and has created undue strain on dedicated volunteers who are all – whether they’ve had one, two, three or no vaccinations – totally committed to their local communities.”

In light of members across emergency services wishing to return, until the public health orders change, organisations have to remain firm.

“CFA’s number one priority is the health and safety of our members and the broader community,” a spokesperson for the CFA stated.

“CFA is required to follow the Pandemic Orders to ensure emergency service workers are fully vaccinated (boosted) with an approved COVID-19 vaccination.”

CFA and Life Saving Victoria (LSV) wouldn’t confirm how many volunteers have been stood down or are currently inactive. 

CFA stated that, ‘CFA’s ability to respond to incidents has not been affected.’

While LSV stated, “Life Saving Victoria’s vaccination requirements remain aligned with those set out by the Victoria State Government for emergency services workers,” LSV CEO Cath Greaves said.

“The overwhelming majority of our workforce has taken up the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We do not anticipate any difficulties in meeting our patrol and search and rescue responsibilities for the Victorian community this season due to vaccination concerns.”