Vic ambo shortages 'put patients at risk' VICTORIAN paramedics say they have fallen asleep at the wheel because they are working overtime to cover staff shortages. Lack of staff is leading to poor ambulance response times and putting patients at risk, they say. A group of paramedics attended Victoria's parliament house on Thursday, backed by the Labor opposition. They say they are being stretched while a high number of paramedics are on stress leave and want a resolution to their pay deal with Ambulance Victoria. Opposition health spokesman Gavin Jennings said the government has failed to ensure the ambulance service is adequately funded. Comment is being sought from Ambulance Victoria.