A long-serving and highly decorated ambulance volunteer has been stood down over allegations of misconduct, including claims he failed to provide a vegan meal option for a visiting staff member, sparking community outrage.
Pinnaroo locals in the Murray Mallee region have rallied around station captain Robert Berlin, 70, after he was ordered to hand in his South Australian Ambulance Service uniform following almost five decades of service.
Claims circulating on social media allege the Ambulance Service Award recipient was stood down last week over a series of alleged incidents, including failing to provide a vegan meal option for a visiting staff member.
Other allegations include frightening staff by knocking loudly on the roller door at Pinnaroo ambulance station, ‘speaking aggressively to another emergency team during a critical patient incident’, and inappropriately using SAAS facilities.
It is understood Mr Berlin was told to hand in his uniform, station keys and other assets to the local police station within 24 hours of being stood down or face theft charges, according to claims posted online.
He managed a team of 12 volunteers, helping ensure 24/7 ambulance coverage across Pinnaroo and surrounding regions.
The entire SAAS crew at Pinnaroo has since walked off the job in protest over Mr Berlin’s dismissal.
SAAS was forced to transfer volunteers from a nearby town and bring in paid staff from metropolitan Adelaide stations to fill rostered shifts, sparking concerns about the future of the local service.
Station captain Robert Berlin was ordered to hand in his SAAS uniform after almost five decades of service
The entire SAAS volunteer crew at Pinnaroo have walked off the job in protest of their captain’s dismissal
Community leaders have demanded an urgent investigation.
‘Rob is a pillar of the community,’ Southern Mallee mayor Ron Valentine told the Daily Mail.
‘He’s pretty stoic on the outside but, internally, no one knows how he’s feeling.’
‘He is robust when he sees something that is not right, but everything he does is of the utmost integrity.
‘The way it has been handled is completely unjust and an overreach of massive proportions.’
Pinnaroo SAAS volunteers vowed to return to their duties once authorities launch an external investigation.
‘Our greatest fear is for what happens next,’ Cr Valentine said.
‘The SAAS needs to do the right thing and engage with an independent investigator so that the volunteers can get back to work.’
Community leaders have demanded SAAS to launch an independent investigation into Mr Berlin’s dismissal
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Local MPs Jason Virgo and Tony Pasin echoed calls for an independent investigation.
‘It would only be appropriate to ensure it’s all above board and Rob gets a fair go,’ Mr Virgo said.
The SAAS declined to comment on confidential personnel matters but confirmed it was aware of concerns that had been raised publicly about ambulance services in Pinnaroo.
‘Many of the comments circulating online include inaccurate information and do not reflect the facts of the situation,’ the SAAS spokeswoman told the Daily Mail.
‘We are committed to ensuring any allegations are investigated fairly and in accordance with our rigorous policies and procedures.
‘These processes exist to ensure a safe environment for all staff and volunteers.
‘We can reassure the community we are strongly committed to providing Pinnaroo with ongoing ambulance services and upholding the highest standards for the benefit of the community,’ the spokeswoman added.
‘Over the past week, SAAS has also put arrangements in place to support local coverage while Pinnaroo volunteer availability has been reduced, including an additional volunteer from outside the area at the Pinnaroo station.’
Mr Berlin was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal in the 2019 Australia Day Honours.
‘Robert has been serving his community of Pinnaroo for more than 40 years and is a strong and passionate advocate for volunteers,’ SAAS said at the time.
Do you know more? Email kylie.stevens@dailymail.com.au.
