Paramedics want to explore all avenues for a deal on longer breaks to combat fatigue and fair wages before they commence their first strike in 36 years.

The government initiated the talks after more than a week of industrial action by paramedics, which has included defying Ambulance Victoria’s policy of eight-hour minimum rest breaks and refusing to record patient billing data.

Ambulance Employees Australia state secretary Steve McGhie said there had been some positive noises coming from the government in recent days but there were still major obstacles to an agreement being reached.

"Paramedics welcome the Government seeking these crisis talks,” he said.

“Hopefully this is a sign Premier Brumby has finally decided to act on the issue of paramedic fatigue.

“Paramedics have been negotiating for fourteen long months. They are running out of patience. You’d have to say this really is the government’s last chance to avert strike action.

“For 14 months this government has refused point blank to discuss longer rest breaks to combat on-the-job fatigue. Now they are prepared to negotiate on this."

Mr McGhie said it was encouraging that the government was willing to talk to the union about longer rest breaks.

“Unfortunately the government’s proposal for longer rest breaks includes wholesale roster changes that they know many paramedics could never accept, because it would mean even less time with their families,'' he said.

“If this crisis is going to be resolved the government must to be prepared to genuinely negotiate.

“Paramedics have given Premier Brumby one last opportunity to avoid strike action and deliver a safer ambulance service for all Victorians. We hope he embraces it.”