Canberra’s ambulance response times boosted by extra staff and resources

Photo: File image from ACT Ambulance Service website.

Ambulance response times will be boosted in Canberra with the city set to receive a full new ambulance crew and two new ambulances in 2018.

ACT Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman said that 24 additional staff will be recruited in addition to the recruitment of 11 paramedics currently underway.

Mr Gentleman said that demand for ambulances in Canberra has increased by 25 per cent since 2012-13, but the ACT has continued to record the best response times in the country during this time, as well as the highest levels of patient satisfaction.

“The professionalism of the women and men of the ACT Ambulance Service has ensured our response times have remained the fastest,” Mr Gentleman said.

“However, the increase in demand has the government concerned for the welfare of a committed ambulance workforce as they continue to meet the community’s expectations.

“Ensuring that our emergency service employees and volunteers have the right support to do their jobs well and safely is a top priority for the ACT Government,” he said.

“The delivery of more paramedics to the ACT Ambulance Service demonstrates a government committed to keeping Canberrans safe by ensuring our emergency services are second to none.”

Mr Gentleman said the new positions will be filled progressively, with the first new recruits starting soon.