Should emergency service workers be allowed to skip queues at cafes?
One Australian mom was waiting for a coffee when she watched a group of firemen abruptly leave because the wait time was too long.
“That makes me so sad because I assume they only have a short time for a break and then they have to be off and be available at all times just in case there is a fire,” Jacqueline Fauvel said in a video that has prompted a call for emergency service workers to get priority.
“I’ve also seen paramedics wait in line and turn around because it’s taking too long. I feel like people should just automatically let them in front. They just work so hard and all they want is a bloody coffee.”
Speaking to news.com.au, Ms Fauvel said it was great to see such a big, positive reaction to her TikTok from people wanting to give back to emergency service workers, who she described as heroes.
“It’s great that a lot of emergency service workers chimed in to back me up that breaks were quite rare when they are on the road, and the fact that most work 12 hours or more without a break, and for very physically demanding work – that’s so tough without food,” she said.
“You don’t want someone responding to an emergency for one of your own family members when they haven’t eaten and aren’t able to perform at their peak.
“So I think letting them in front is a small kind gesture of giving back and supporting them to receive improved work conditions.”
Ms Fauvel said for emergency service workers, their jobs weren’t just a job.
“These people give and give and give for the community and they need to be rewarded for that,” she said, adding it was the same with nurses who deserve improved working conditions.
Earlier this month, Victoria’s nurses and midwives took industrial action amid a pay dispute, which included the closure of one in four public hospital beds and the cancellation of some elective surgery.
There has been strong support for the idea, with people saying that giving these workers priority at a cafe is the least we can do.
“Yes! It should be a rule everywhere when they’re working/on duty, service straight away,” one person wrote.
“I’ve never really thought about it but yeah, I would let them go first as should everybody,” said another.
“As a paramedic in Australia, I thank you! Sometimes it’s our only opportunity to get a coffee and we’re always so nervous that the next job is only seconds away. We don’t want discount just priority,” agreed one paramedic.
“Yep, my partner is an EMT and they really appreciate the kind gesture of getting to go first in line, especially as their pager can go off at any time,” added someone else.
However, some people suggested it was unfair because they too were busy or only had limited time.
“On the weekend, yes, but during the week on my lunch, no. I also have limited time as well,” said one person.
“If I am not in a rush sure, but usually I have like 15-20 minutes between multiple kid pick up/drop offs or on my own lunch break trying to get back. Work with kids/and have kids. Coffee keeps me alive,” added a mom.
