Communities impacted by floods are set to benefit from an additional boost to the NSW Ambulance flood rescue fleet, with eight new patient extrication vessels being rolled out for use across the state.
The seven-metre aluminium utility boats, with bow-loader for patient access can hold up to seven people, giving NSW Ambulance greater capability to deliver care to patients in areas impacted by floods.
The vessels come complete with twin 60 horsepower outboard engines for rapid response in hazardous environments.
The benefits of these larger boats include patient rescue from isolated areas, on-water rescue and ability to transport specialised clinicians, such as doctors and extended care paramedics, to communities that are isolated due to floods.
Supplies and medical equipment can also be transported by the vessels, which were built in Yamba on the NSW north coast.
Over the coming months, Special Operations Unit paramedics will continue specialised training to operate the new boats, which will be progressively rolled out to regional heavy rescue stations across the state including Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry as well as at the Special Operation Team locations of Point Clare and Sydney.
The eight new vessels are designed to be a statewide asset in emergency responses and will be deployed to areas of need as required.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"NSW Ambulance continues to enhance its capabilities to deliver urgent health care to patients in need, no matter where they are located.
"Specialised equipment such as these new rescue boats allow NSW Ambulance paramedics to respond to patients quickly as well as transport vital equipment and specialised staff to remote areas to provide much needed care."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"These new vessels will be invaluable when communities are cut off by flood waters, as we will have greater access to patients, bringing them highly trained health professionals and medical supplies.
"These assets also increase our capability to transport paramedics, doctors and nurses to remote towns that have been impacted by floods to keep our communities safe and cared for."
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