{
  "id": 12552230,
  "title": "Volunteer ambulance officer of almost 50 years stood down amid investigation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/volunteer-ambulance-officer-of-almost-50-years-stood-down-amid",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-07T05:06:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-07/concerns-over-future-viability-of-pinnaroo-ambulance-station/107233146"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rob Berlin, an experienced volunteer ambulance officer for the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) for nearly half a century, has been stood down amid allegations. This decision has prompted concerns about the staffing capacity of the Pinnaroo ambulance station, which serves a population of around 760 people and is located 240 kilometers east of Adelaide. Some local volunteer ambulance officers have walked out in protest at Mr Berlin's treatment, raising doubts about the future of the local service.\n\nThe SAAS has stated that they are committed to conducting a fair investigation into the allegations, but they deny that the online information circulating matches the facts of the situation. The organization is unable to comment on confidential individual matters. However, local leaders, including the Southern Mallee District Council mayor, Ron Valentine, and MP Jason Virgo, are calling for an independent investigation into the matter. They argue that the lack of representation for volunteers and the difficulty in finding replacement volunteers could jeopardize the service's future.\n\nThe Pinnaroo ambulance station relies on a small number of volunteers to operate, working closely with the Lameroo station. On average, the two stations respond to fewer than 10 emergency calls per week. In response to the staffing concerns, the SAAS has arranged for an additional volunteer from outside the town to support the Pinnaroo station while the availability of local volunteers is down.",
  "summary": "A regional community has backed an ambulance volunteer after he was stood down from his role.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rob Berlin, 47-year veteran, stood down amid investigation",
    "Pinnaroo station serves 760 people, 240km east of Adelaide",
    "Local volunteers protest, call for independent investigation"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The stand-down of the veteran volunteer ambulance officer has raised concerns about the viability of the local service, with calls for an independent investigation and worries about staffing capacity and volunteer representation.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}