154 new Paramedics join the ranks
Frontline services have received a welcome boost with another 154 new paramedic recruits inducted today, part of a $1.76 billion funding boost in ambulance services.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this is the second cohort of paramedics starting work this financial year, following 95 paramedics joining the ranks in August. The recruits are in addition to the record 750 paramedics and Control Centre staff delivered by the Government over the last four years.
“Our record investment will ensure NSW has the largest paramedic workforce of any State or Territory in the country,” Mr Perrotett said.
“We know that our first responders have been under immense pressure over the past few years, and this additional wave of recruits will increase capacity, both in terms of available paramedics to respond to patients, and available staff to help answer a record volume of calls.”
Among today’s cohort, 129 completed their induction program for NSW Ambulance’s new post-employment tertiary pathway, which includes many applicants who do not currently possess a degree in paramedicine. They will complete their degrees while employed with NSW Ambulance as students and will work alongside Registered Paramedics. The remaining 25 joined NSW Ambulance after finishing their paramedicine degrees.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW Ambulance is delivering innovative educational and recruitment pathways for those keen on a career in paramedicine.
“Many people do not have the time or finances to commit to full time study, so this Post Employment Tertiary Pathway provides some flexibility,” Mr Hazzard said.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government was also investing in infrastructure.
“In addition to boosting our workforce, the NSW Government is delivering another 30 ambulance stations across NSW to ensure our communities have the very best emergency care available to them.”
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said most of the recruits would initially be posted across metropolitan Sydney, the Central Coast and Illawarra regions. After their first year, they will then be posted across the state.
“Paramedicine is a very rewarding clinical career, and we’re excited to welcome these people to their new careers, serving the community across the state. We’re also excited to see what they bring to NSW Ambulance,” Dr Morgan said.
NSW Ambulance has received funding for 2,128 new staff from a $1.76 billion boost announced as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
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