BY ISABEL EVERERTT
69 new ambulance vehicles will be deployed across the state, with 50 to be based in rural and regional areas, as part of a $11.7 million funding boost from the NSW Government.
The fleet of intensive care ambulances will be rolled out in the Hunter New England, Central Coast, Western NSW, Southern NSW, and Northern NSW regions, as well as metropolitan areas.
Deputy Premier John
Barilaro says the ambulances will carry the most advanced
equipment, including upgraded defibrillators, to bolster the
frontline emergency response.
They'll also have video laryngoscopes and mechanical CPR devices.
“The NSW Government is supporting those who live hundreds of kilometres from the nearest trauma centre," Mr Barilaro says.
NSW Ambulance Chief
Executive Dominic Morgan said the equipment will make a big difference for
patients suffering trauma, cardiac arrest, stroke or breathing difficulties.
“The equipment also
provides our paramedics with greater protection when treating suspected or
confirmed COVID-19 patients,” Dr Morgan said.
The Health Services Unions says the investment should be followed by boosting intensive care paramedic numbers.
"To fully take advantage of the new vehicles, a greater number of paramedics are needed along with better access to training," the Union said in a statement.
“These ambulances are an excellent first step but there are paramedics
screaming for the opportunity to be upskilled to intensive care status in
regional NSW right now. Sadly they are being held back from serving their
communities to the best of their ability,” said Gerard Hayes, HSU NSW
Secretary.
“We need at least one 12 person intensive care paramedic crew for every
50,000 people immediately. We are currently well below that ratio."
“The best thing the NSW Goverment could do right now is fund NSW
Ambulance to allow regional paramedics to undertake the intensive care course
in the regions. That will allow paramedics to make the most of these new
vehicles and best serve their communities.
“This is a great first step. The proof will be in the follow through.”
In 2020-21 the NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion in NSW Ambulance, including $27 million for 180 new staff, the third tranche of the 2018 commitment to recruit 750 more paramedic and control centre staff over four years.
