Ten new paramedics with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) have been fast-tracked into local communities as the Service rallies to control the spread of COVID-19.
MP for Mundingburra, Coralee O’Rourke said six of the new paramedics would be stationed at Townsville, three at Charters Towers and one at Ayr.
“Unfortunately, we know the number of cases will continue to rise over the coming weeks, which is why we’ve fast-tracking paramedic training to get extra sets of hands into Queensland communities,” Ms O’Rourke said.
MP for Townsville, Scott Stewart said ambulance officers were playing a big role in identifying potential COVID-19 cases and getting patients to facilities where they could be tested, isolated and treated.
“By adding extra staff to the workforce we are ensuring we have the capacity in the health system to support Queenslanders should they need it,” Mr Stewart said.
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services, Steven Miles said an additional 60 new graduates would begin on-the-job training later this month.
“The graduates will be deployed within three weeks of their induction to assist with the pandemic response across the State,” Mr Miles said.
“The majority will be placed in the South-East corner of the State depending on where the demand is.”
He said QAS Triple Zero Operations Centres would also get a boost, with an additional 15 Emergency Medical Dispatchers to begin training on 27 April.
Commissioner of QAS, Russell Bowles said planning for an expected surge in workload had been continuing since January.
