New paramedics hit the road in NSW

Ninety-five new paramedics will begin their shifts today thanks to the record funding announced for NSW Ambulance in the NSW Government’s 2022-2023 Budget.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the recruits add to the previous record 750 paramedics and call cente staff delivered by the Government over the last four years.
 
“We recognise our hardworking ambulance staff have been under enormous pressure as a result of the pandemic and the winter influenza outbreak,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“The $1.76 billion investment in ambulance services announced in the recent Budget will ensure NSW has the largest paramedic workforce of any State or Territory.
 
“The funding will help increase capacity both in terms of available paramedics to respond to patients, and available staff to help answer a record volume of calls.”
 
Today’s graduates will undertake operational experience for 46 weeks in the Sydney and Hunter regions, after which their permanent deployments will be determined.
 
The recruits have completed three years of university study, followed by six weeks of induction with NSW Ambulance at the service’s new state headquarters at Sydney Olympic Park.
 
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said the graduating class is excited to commence new careers and commited to helping the NSW community.
 
“NSW Ambulance has a world-class reputation for excellence and these new recruits will help us continue to provide excellent care to those most in need,” Dr Morgan said.
 
As part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget, the $1.76 billion boost over the next four years will fund 2,128 staff and open 30 more stations. These enhancements will target the busiest areas, some of which have been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and substantial increases in the volume of Triple Zero (000) calls.