This week, 16 highly qualified intensive care paramedics (ICPs) have been deployed across NSW after completing 27 weeks of specialist training to extend their clinical practice.
The training includes eight weeks of in-class training at NSW Ambulance's State Operations Centre, a five-week medical placement, and 14 weeks of on-the-road experience under supervision.
The specialist paramedics will now complete up to two years consolidating their practice working in dedicated intensive care paramedic units.
Intensive care paramedics are specialised emergency paramedicine professionals who are highly trained to perform advanced clinical procedures and require high levels of clinical exposure and a strong professional community of practice.
These specialist interventions include advanced airway management, such as endotracheal intubation, and treatment of life-threatening chest injuries. They also handle complex cases like severe head injuries and cardiac conditions where more advanced interventions are required.
The 16 new ICPs come from across the state, and will take up permanent posting in Rutherford, Taree and metropolitan Sydney stations.
Ben Chivers, a paramedic with NSW Ambulance for 7 years, decided to follow in his father's footsteps and upskill as an ICP.
Ben's father, Ross Chivers, is an ICP as well as a Superintendent for the Western Sydney Nepean Blue Mountains sector and has been a paramedic with NSW Ambulance for 36 years.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"Intensive care paramedics play a vital role in our health system, bringing advanced clinical skills and compassion to patients in their most critical moments. This new group will help ensure people across NSW receive the very best emergency care.
"Having these highly trained paramedics on our team means NSW Ambulance is better equipped to help people when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"This new group of intensive care paramedics have completed a demanding training program and are ready to put their skills into practice. Their commitment to working as a team and delivering high-quality care will make a real difference for patients.
"These ICPs have shown professionalism and compassion throughout their training and with these new skills will continue to support their colleagues and the community in challenging situations."
Quotes attributable to Intensive Care Paramedic Ben Chivers:
"Becoming an ICP is something I've always aspired to do growing up, and the training has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career so far.
"Stepping into the ICP role has given me the chance to lead and support my team in ways I never imagined. The responsibility isn't just for the patient-it's for the whole crew, and that's a challenge I'm proud to take on.
"Having my dad as both a mentor and inspiration has made this journey even more meaningful. I'm looking forward to using my new skills to help other crews and provide excellent patient care in those high-acuity jobs."
