This week, 15 highly qualified Intensive Care Paramedics (ICPs) have hit the road across NSW after completing an intensive 27-week specialist training program to advance their clinical expertise and expand frontline critical care capability.
The program includes eight weeks of classroom-based learning at NSW Ambulance's State Operations Centre, five weeks of hospital and clinical placements, and 14 weeks of supervised, on-road clinical practice alongside experienced ICP mentors.
These newly trained ICPs will now spend up to two years consolidating their skills in dedicated intensive care paramedic units in metro and regional locations, further refining their clinical expertise.
ICPs are specialised emergency paramedical professionals equipped to perform advanced clinical procedures in high-pressure environments and situations. Their training emphasises technical proficiency, strong professional collaboration and the importance of clinical exposure.
ICPs are qualified to deliver advanced airway management, including endotracheal intubation, and provide life-saving interventions for patients experiencing severe chest trauma, traumatic brain injuries, acute cardiac events, and other life-threatening conditions requiring advanced pre-hospital care.
These specialist paramedics come from various locations across the state, including Sarrah Nhoung and Kyle Hibbard who have both relocated to Tamworth to advance their careers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"The advanced training of these intensive care paramedics ensures patients across NSW receive the very best emergency care.
"The deployment of paramedics with enhanced skill and capability, means NSW Ambulance is better equipped to help people when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"Increasing the number of highly skilled paramedics with enhanced skill sets epitomises our determination and commitment to the people of NSW.
"This is a defining moment in the careers of these paramedics - their new skills will define the quality of care they provide.
"The addition of these intensive care paramedics strengthens NSW Ambulance operationally and clinically, reinforcing a strategic focus on delivering world class pre-hospital care."
Quotes attributable to Intensive Care Paramedic Kyle Hibbard:
"Moving here with my young family from Bourke is an exciting new chapter for us all.
"The course has been challenging and intense, but I am excited to have an additional range of extended skills. I am motivated to be as highly skilled as possible and provide the best care for my patients."
Quotes attributable to Intensive Care Paramedic Sarrah Nhoung:
"I am motivated to continually grow and expand my capability as a paramedic.
"Relocating from Coffs Harbour to Tamworth has given me the opportunity to work within a new demographic, and I am looking forward to building connections with the community."
