They have been writing slogans on the ambulances to protest changes to their Death and Disability scheme.

Paramedics were told by the Industrial Relations Commission to stop writing the slogans earlier this week.

Health Services Union delegate Iain Quigg said the insurance scheme’s award had been reduced to about one-fifth of the original award in late August.

“The government said the scheme was unsustainable,” he said.

“We were contributing 50 per cent to the old scheme, and with this new scheme we don’t have to contribute - that’s the way they’re selling it - but it’s greatly reduced.”

Paramedics originally could receive a payment between about $253,515 and $685,642, dependent on age, if they received an injury which rendered them unable to work as a paramedic.

In the case where a person could no longer work at all, they could receive a payment between about $559,708 and $699,635.

Now, across the board, they will receive a payment of $123,487 over two years.

Mr Quigg said paramedics wanted the same treatment as other emergency workers, such as police officers and firefighters.

“If a paramedic, police officer and firefighter were attending a crash on a freeway, and a car came along and wiped us out, the paramedic would get the least [amount of financial] coverage,” he said.

“We’re not asking for a great big scheme, we’re just asking for reasonable protection, and no one is disputing the danger the other professions are in.”

Mr Quigg said paramedics were more likely to be injured while working when compared to other emergency services.

“We are facing a higher rate of assault, especially from ice patients,” he said.

“We shouldn’t have to hesitate on the job if it seems like we could be injured and are worried about the award.

“Those working in helicopters and special operations cannot receive insurance elsewhere as their job is ‘too dangerous’, this scheme was their only protection.”

Paramedics have launched the ‘Zero One Code One’ campaign on Facebook to gain support.

“Code 101 is for when an officer is in distress on our radios,” Mr Quigg said.

“We will continue to highlight this issue as an act of civil disobedience.

“It’s a freedom of speech, and we have the right to voice our opinion.”

A statement from NSW Ambulance said the changes to the scheme would continue to provide benefits for incidents at work.

“The NSW government values the work of paramedics and continues to fund an insurance scheme in addition to workers compensation benefits,” the statement said.

“Funding will continue for initiatives to improve the health and wellness of paramedics.

“As the chalking matter is currently before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, NSW Ambulance will not provide any further comment at this stage.”

Other government agencies have been contacted for comment.

View the Zero One Code One campaign at https://www.facebook.com/01code1/.