The ambulance union has launched an online campaign to get public support for its enterprise bargaining demand that paramedics receive 10-hour breaks.
The move came as Ambulance Employees Australia (AEA) released the second half of a survey taken in June, showing 36 per cent of Victorian paramedics were considering leaving their job.
They are fed up with everyday work stresses, including work-related fatigue, the survey results suggested.
The online survey drew responses from more than 350 Victorian paramedics, around 20 per cent of the workforce.
AEA state secretary Steve McGhie said the findings were alarming and highlighted why their negotiations needed to be urgently resolved.
"Losing 700 paramedics would devastate our ambulance service. In many emergencies you might as well send a hearse," McGhie said in a statement on Wednesday.
"These findings also show that even if the government can recruit another 258 paramedics it will be like pouring water into a colander unless problems like fatigue are quickly resolved."
Of those considering leaving their jobs, 76 per cent said the main reason was fatigue, while 54 per cent said morale was poor, very poor or terrible.
Less than five per cent said morale was very good or excellent, McGhie said.
"Ambos are fed up with the huge toll their jobs are taking on their health, their safety and their personal life. The price is just too high," he said.
McGhie said the problems could be fixed if paramedics were given 10-hour rest breaks between shifts.
"That's why we need our EBA (enterprise bargaining agreement) urgently resolved, so we can recruit and retain the paramedics Victoria needs, now and into the future," he said.
The online campaign will be launched on Wednesday at www.responsetime.org.au.
