Cost-saving changes at St John Ambulance are sparking concern among staff and paramedics.

The service has limited recalls of backup staff when employees are sick or taking leave, meaning some ambulances are left parked up.

Ambulance Association National Secretary Mark Quin says this is proof the company is putting their budget over people's lives.

"We're restricting the number of ambulances being available anywhere in the country on a daily basis due to the fact that we're not recalling staff."

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