Green light to more ambos

In communities large and small, the importance of a well-equipped and responsive paramedic service can never be overstated. A paramedic recruitment blitz, as promised by Health Minister Guy Barnett, not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also has the potential to deliver longterm benefits that extend far beyond the emergency response sector.

Swift emergency response times can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations, ensuring that residents feel secure and supported.

That sense has been sadly lacking for some time as already strained personnel levels have been stretched further by long wait times as ambulances ramp at hospitals, waiting for their patients to be admitted.

Mr Barnett said the government was making good on its 2024 election pledge of 51 new full-time paramedics over the next two years, and 27 community paramedics over the next four years.

Once these paramedics are recruited and successfully integrated into the workforce, the government must also make good on its commitment to end ramping to maintain an immediately responsive ambulance fleet, available to answer urgent callouts across the state.

The extra numbers could also help provide valuable public health education, promoting preventive care and reducing the need for emergency interventions.

A recent report commissioned into resourcing for the ambulance service found 126 additional staff were needed to meet projected demand. Ambulance Tasmania chief Jordan Emery said bringing on the new staff would take time.

“We have to stage the implementation of any new employees because there is a training requirement and that limits the number of employees we can take on at any one time,” he said.

There is no greater responsibility for authorities than public health. This is a vital commitment that needs to be done right, but it needs to be done fast.