NSW Ambulance is rolling out a fleet of eight purpose-built rescue vehicles designed to strengthen the state's ability to respond to complex rescue incidents alongside partner emergency services.
NSW Ambulance is rolling out a fleet of eight purpose-built rescue vehicles designed to strengthen the state's ability to respond to complex rescue incidents alongside partner emergency services.
The world-first rescue ambulances were designed following several years of consultation involving frontline paramedics and rescue specialists.
The NSW Ambulance vehicles combine advanced rescue capability with a fully equipped ambulance, providing a single platform that can support patients from the point of rescue through to transport.
The first four rescue ambulances have now been completed, with NSW Ambulance Rescue Paramedics across the state undergoing specialised training in Singleton this month.
These vehicles will be based at NSW Ambulance rescue stations across the state and will strengthen our collaboration with our emergency service partners in responses to challenging incidents, including road crashes, remote-area rescues, building collapses, trench rescues, large animal rescues, and natural disasters.
Emergency services across the state share responsibility for rescue operations, with NSW Ambulance holding State Rescue Board accreditation for rescue operations in Tamworth, Singleton, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry.
Each vehicle is equipped with specialised rescue equipment including winches, cutting tools, breathing apparatus, scene lighting, multi-agency communication, satellite system and a full suite of clinical equipment to enable clinical care and patient transport.
Other features include a 360-degree camera system, onboard power generation, deployable awning for prolonged incidents, and enhanced scene management systems.
The rest of the fleet is expected to be rolled out across NSW over the next 6 months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park
"These purpose-built rescue ambulances will strengthen the ability of NSW Ambulance paramedics to work alongside emergency services partners during complex rescue incidents right across the state.
"When responding to complex rescue incidents, these vehicles will ensure highly skilled paramedics have the equipment they need to provide the very best care to patients.
"I want to thank Gerard Hayes and Health Services Union members who are strong advocates for our paramedics, making sure they are supported with the very best equipment to do their job.
"This is about ensuring our frontline emergency services are equipped with modern assets that improve safety for patients, paramedics and the wider community."
Quotes attributable to Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes:
"Our paramedics are brave and skilled and when they're performing life-saving operations they deserve cutting edge technology and equipment that helps them in their mission.
"This upgrade offers lightning fast communication and first rate tools a paramedic can depend on, such as onboard power generation, advanced camera systems and specialised winches and cutting tools.
"This is a serious boost that will help paramedics save more lives, prevent people being admitted to hospital and accelerate rescue efforts.
"We thank Premier Minns and Minister Park for backing our paramedics so robustly."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Executive Director, Aeromedical & Special Operations, Dr Sarah Coombes
"Our rescue and special operations paramedics frequently work as part of multi-agency rescue operations. These vehicles give our clinicians greater capability to support those teams while delivering advanced patient care directly at the point of rescue.
"One of the most significant features is the integration of technical rescue equipment and a fully functional ambulance into a single platform.
"This allows our teams to provide clinical care earlier, operate more efficiently during prolonged incidents and continue working seamlessly with our emergency services partners to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients."
