Extra paid paramedics to bolster ambulance services in the bush

• Additional 31 FTE paid paramedics for the regions funded under the new contract
• Includes four FTE to commence in Geraldton from today, 31 March, 2023
• Part of the McGowan Government's modernised contract with St John WA
• Represents a 25 per cent increase in paid paramedics since mid-2022
  

Additional paid paramedics will be deployed to regional areas across Western Australia as part of the McGowan Government's plan to boost ambulance response capabilities in the bush.

Extra regional paramedics were funded in the modernised contract with St John WA, which came into effect on 1 January, 2023, boosting the number of paid paramedics in the bush by almost 31 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

From today, 31 March 2023, additional paramedics have already been installed in Geraldton (4 FTE) with Busselton (2 FTE), Narrogin (2 FTE), Northam (3 FTE), Newman (1 FTE), and East Bunbury (1 FTE) to follow over the coming months. 

Esperance and Margaret River sub centres will also each be home to 4 FTE career paramedics for the first time while Harvey will have 2 FTE. They will continue to be supported by a dedicated volunteer base."

Additionally, a new dedicated 'flying squad' roster of paramedics (8 FTE) has been funded under the contract to provide relief for paid paramedics in the community.

This is on top of the 34 extra paramedics for the metropolitan area and more than delivers on the McGowan Government's election commitment of an additional 18 paramedics in the regions.

The locations and number of paramedics allocated has been determined in consultation with St John WA and the Department of Health based on demand and need.

These additional resources are part of the McGowan Government's ongoing commitment to improving ambulance services throughout the State.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"The McGowan Government is working to ensure our ambulance services meets the need of our regional communities.

"We have collaborated with St John WA and the WA Country Health Service to identify communities that require additional support and I am pleased that these paramedics will now begin deployment.

"This will represent a 25 per cent  increase in the number of paid paramedics in the regions since we commenced contract negotiations with St John WA last year."

"This investment builds on existing paramedic capability in country WA - including the highly-valued network of volunteers who do an extraordinary job."

Minister's office - 6552 5900