January 15, 2014
Two new intensive care paramedics stationed at Bundaberg Ambulance Station will assist the RACQ CareFlight rescue helicopter service, Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said today.
The Bundaberg Ambulance Station will now be staffed 24 hours-a-day by Intensive Care Paramedics rather than on an on-call system.
Mr Springborg said the two new Flight Intensive Care Paramedics would improve the ambulance service’s ability to respond quickly to accidents and health emergencies in the Wide Bay-Burnett and Fraser Coast regions.
“Intensive Care Paramedics are highly trained professionals who provide Queenslanders with world-class pre-hospital health care every day.
“Their role is diverse and includes responding to local emergency cases, supporting and training other paramedics, as well as working with the RACQ CareFlight rescue helicopter.
“Their work in conjunction with CareFlight is critically important to rural and remote communities throughout the region.”
CareFlight CEO Ashley van de Velde has welcomed the decision as the region is one of the busiest for the organisation.
“RACQ CareFlight Rescue flew more than 400 missions in the Wide Bay Burnett last year alone,” Mr van de Velde said.
“These highly trained individuals are a critical part in the delivery of lifesaving care to the residents in their great times of need. We welcome the decision to increase the vital resource.”
[UPDATED]
