New national data shows NSW's ambulance service lagging behind on resourcing, response times, and community coverage, according to the Australian Paramedics Association (NSW).
"The report is pretty unambiguous—in NSW we spend less, we have fewer Paramedics on the road, and patients wait longer to receive an ambulance", said APA (NSW) President Chris Kastelan.
"While leaders may wish to blame our current failings on COVID-19, this data draws a clear line between poor outcomes and the systematic under resourcing and underfunding of our service."
The Productivity Commission report, released Tuesday, shows median emergency response times in NSW (12.5 minutes) were Australia's second-slowest over the 2020-21 reporting period.
"Our emergency response times are a full two minutes slower than comparable jurisdictions like Victoria and Queensland", said Mr Kastelan.
"In an emergency situation, those minutes really matter. The likelihood of survival for a cardiac event can drop by 10% for each minute treatment is delayed.
"Paramedics have long been crying out for staffing enhancements. NSW has Australia's second worst Paramedic to population ratio, with just 48.6 Paramedics per 100,000 people.
"Per capita, we have a third fewer Paramedics than leading states like Queensland and Tasmania.
"When there's not enough staff on road, patients wait longer to be treated, and Paramedics also pay the price. It's become the new normal to work hours of forced overtime, and most staff now consider it a minor miracle if they get to have a meal break during their shift."
APA (NSW) has called for an immediate increase of 1,500 Paramedics to bring ratios in NSW into line with comparable states.
"NSW Paramedics are exhausted from a gruelling two years on the COVID frontlines, and in dire need of some light at the end of the tunnel. Now is a critical time for our leaders to step up and make meaningful commitments to improve ambulance staffing.
"Right now, per capita spending on emergency healthcare is the second-lowest in the country—and it's actually decreased when compared to the previous year", said Mr Kastelan.
"It sends a very clear message that our state is failing to prioritise staff welfare and patient outcomes."
