The union representing NSW's Paramedic workforce has welcomed today's announcement of 69 new Intensive Care Ambulances for regional communities—but says more support is needed for the staff who will be using them.
Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) President Chris Kastelan said that enhancements are desperately needed to regional intensive care, and that the new ambulances are an important step in bringing care up to the same standard as metropolitan areas.
"These vehicles will make a big difference in regional, rural and remote NSW, allowing Intensive Care specialists to access the latest equipment for the life-saving work that they perform. Enhancements like the new Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System [LUCAS], which can automate the compressions needed for CPR, will allow regional Paramedics to do their work more safely and effectively."
The $11.7 million upgrade, announced today, will bring the equipment available to regional Intensive Care Paramedics (ICPs) into line with that already provided to their counterparts at metro stations.
"This is an exciting investment, which will have immediate payoff in the areas where Intensive Care Paramedics are already stationed", said Mr Kastelan.
"As exciting as the new ambulances are, splashing cash on vehicles is just one part of the equation.
"At present, Intensive Care Paramedics in regional NSW are pretty scarce—there's not a single one posted for over 700kms between Dubbo and Broken Hill.
"This lack of coverage is the result of NSW Ambulance's refusal to fund regional ICP positions. Those specialists who are there have not been actively recruited—they've gotten qualified elsewhere, and brought their skills with them by chance. When those individuals are asleep, off duty, or tasked to another job, there'll still be no one in these areas with the necessary training to make use of these resources."
Mr Kastelan says the union has been advocating for years for proactive funding and recruitment to expand ICP coverage across regional NSW.
"Part of the problem is that training is only offered in the city, and takes two years—with no guarantee of return. So regional Paramedics are forced to choose between pursuing further training, and keeping their posting. We urgently need another option."
Regional ICPs and State Executive are available
