Almost 115 more student paramedics and call takers officially joined NSW Ambulance today - part of a record 2,128 boost to the service by the NSW Government to help tackle unprecedented demand.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the 86 student paramedics and 27 control centre trainees will be stationed across NSW, and are the third cohort from its record $1.76 billion investment.
"The NSW Government is delivering the largest paramedic workforce in Australia and these recruits join the best of the best," Mr Hazzard said.
"And what a great Christmas gift for the many communities across our State who will benefit from the expertise and energy of these new recruits, as they begin their careers.
"No other Government in the nation is investing more in health than NSW to try to ease the demand on our health workers and ensure better local access to services."
In addition to the 2,128 funded NSW Ambulance positions, the NSW Government will also deliver eight new stations at Warilla, Kincumber, Lisarow, Gateshead, Swansea, Cherrybrook, Raby and Narellan, with a further 22 stations to come. These facilities are over and above the 45 new and upgraded stations already delivered since 2011.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is delivering on its promise of boosting the regional health workforce for our regional and rural communities.
"These recruits will further enhance the biggest and best ambulance service in the nation and provide our paramedics currently on the ground with some much-needed respite," Mrs Taylor said.
"Our paramedics and health workers have worked tirelessly for their communities through the bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple flood events and a winter flu outbreak - and we are so thankful for all their efforts and support.
"We congratulate today's recruits and look forward to welcoming many more in the New Year who will further add to the state's already world-class health system."
In the last financial year, NSW Ambulance transported more than 750,000 patients, more than any other State or Territory, yet it leads the nation in transfer of care results.
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said the majority of today's recruits are part of the service's new post-employment tertiary pathway.
"Some people do not have the time or finances to commit to full time study, so this pathway into paramedicine has been a welcomed option for many," Dr Morgan said.
"It allows people to complete their degrees in paramedicine while employed with NSW Ambulance as students, working and learning alongside our registered paramedics."
