The Fire Services Department says it welcomes suggestions from ambulancemen on their work conditions, provided their ideas do not adversely affect emergency services.

Responding to a petition by the Ambulancemen's Union today, Acting Director of Fire Services Kwok Jing-keung said management will continue dialogue with ambulance officers on their meal break arrangements.

Mr Kwok said the department has to strike a balance between its commitment to the public and staff welfare. Like other disciplined staff, ambulancemen may have to perform life-saving duties during lunch breaks, he said.

"Being an emergency service provider, it is our duty to ensure such services are maintained at all times. At the same time it is only right that we make reasonable lunch arrangements for our ambulance staff," Mr Kwok said.

At present, ambulancemen are allowed to have a one-hour meal break between noon and 2pm during a day shift. During that period, they may be required to attend to emergency calls. If they are unable to take their meal break during the two-hour period, they will be given a 20-minute off-call meal break after 2pm.

In response to staff concerns, the department has introduced administrative measures to alleviate the problem, such as advancing the designated period for taking the one-hour meal break to 11.30am to 1.30pm so that those who need to take the 20-minute compensation meal break can do so as early as possible.