A Tasmanian paramedic first on the scene at the Port Arthur massacre says changing legislation to allow easier access to post traumatic stress disorder treatment is a must for the next generation of frontline workers.
In a paper submitted to the state government, the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) wants PTSD to be recognised as presumptive.
Currently, it's up to paramedics to prove stress disorders were caused by work trauma.
But the union wants the legal onus of proof flipped, so employers or insurance companies would have to prove PTSD wasn't contracted through work.
Intensive care flight paramedic Peter James was called to Port Arthur in 1996 where he walked across blood-sodden carpet which covered his shoes.
But it took until last year for him to put in an official compensation request.
"On several occasions I walked away from putting a claim in because of the pressure of being sent to tribunals," he said.
"You hear the bucket's full and overflowing. I guess over the years I just started a new bucket each time."
Mr James, who has been a paramedic for 41 years, also worked at the Beaconsfield mine disaster and the Christchurch earthquake.
He said changes to the laws would help remove PTSD stigma for younger paramedics reaching out for help.
Mr James was one of four frontline workers who shared harrowing stories in the government submission.
Paramedic Lauren Hepher said heavy gusts of wind give her flashbacks to attending a horrific car accident during a storm.
But she hasn't put in a compensation claim, saying the thought of having to prove you've got a psychological injury when you're unwell is "appalling".
"We need serious change to ensure that our frontline emergency workers in their lowest moments are looked after properly," HACSU state secretary Tim Jacobson said.
"We've got circumstances now with people who've clearly got post traumatic stress disorder which is clearly made worse by the legal wrangling which goes on."
Health Minister Michael Ferguson said on Monday the Liberal government would consider the union's submission.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Rebecca White says Labor if elected would "work towards" introducing presumptive PTSD legislation for paramedics and other frontline respondents including police and firefighters.
