A firefighter who was exposed to acid at the Corio refinery has been allegedly failed by local hospitals, according to the union representing emergency services workers. The incident, which occurred during a response to a chemical spill at the refinery, has raised serious concerns about the preparedness of medical facilities to handle hazardous material exposures.
Union speaks out
The union claims that the firefighter was not given appropriate decontamination or treatment upon arrival at the hospital, despite being covered in acid. “Our member was left waiting for hours without proper care,” said a union spokesperson. “This is a systemic failure that puts lives at risk.” The union is demanding an urgent review of protocols for treating chemical exposure patients in Geelong hospitals.
Details of the incident
The firefighter was part of a crew called to the Corio refinery after a reported acid leak. During the operation, the firefighter came into direct contact with the substance, suffering burns. Colleagues immediately initiated decontamination procedures at the scene before transporting the firefighter to a nearby hospital. However, the union alleges that hospital staff were ill-equipped and untrained to handle such cases.
- Firefighter suffered chemical burns to arms and torso
- Decontamination at scene was incomplete due to lack of supplies
- Hospital reportedly had no specific chemical exposure protocol
Hospital response
Barwon Health, which operates the hospital, has defended its actions. A spokesperson stated, “Our staff followed standard procedures and provided appropriate care. We are reviewing the incident to identify any areas for improvement.” However, the union argues that standard procedures are insufficient for industrial chemical exposures.
Calls for change
The union is calling for mandatory training for emergency department staff on chemical exposures and better coordination with industrial sites. “We need a dedicated chemical incident response team in our hospitals,” the spokesperson added. The incident has also prompted a review by WorkSafe Victoria.
The firefighter is expected to recover but may have long-term skin damage. The union says it will pursue legal action if necessary to ensure changes are made.
