The Andrews Labor Government has recruited hundreds of new paramedics this year – delivering another boost to our health system and helping our ambulance services meet the record levels of demand being seen Australia-wide.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Wendouree Station to announce that more than 150 paramedics have already joined crews in regional Victoria this year – with more on the way.
A current batch of 64 recruits started their training this week, with 18 off to regional Victoria once completed. These new recruits will hit the road on 22 August, bringing the total number of new paramedics recruited so far this year to 404 – with 157 joining crews in regional Victoria including,
- 26 in the Barwon South-West Region
- 23 in the Gippsland Region
- 24 in the Grampians/Ballarat Region
- 50 in the Hume/Central/Northern Region
- 34 in the Loddon/Bendigo/Mallee Region
Wendouree Station has already received an additional three paramedics as part of this recruitment while nearby Ballarat Station has received nine.
Beginning with a four-week induction program which gives them the vital skills they need before they hit the road, recruits learn how to safely move and load patients to prevent injuries, aggression and assault prevention training, and driving ambulance vehicles to ‘lights and sirens’ cases.
Graduate paramedics become fully credentialed after one year, after which they continue professional development and education for their entire careers to help them provide the best care and stay safe while they’re doing so.
The Labor Government’s $35 million boost earlier this year fast-tracked the recruitment of 120 paramedics, who started in May. As part of the Victorian Budget 2022/23, a further $124 million has been invested to put even more paramedics on the road and build on record recruitment levels.
Ambulance Victoria recruited 700 paramedics in 2021 – its single largest annual recruitment ever – and is on track to recruit the same number this year. This will be critical in responding to increasing demand, with the organisation recently experiencing its busiest two quarters on record.
The Government has increased paramedic ranks by more than 66 per cent since 2014 – an increase of almost 2,200.
Quote attributable to Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas
“These more than 150 new paramedics are a huge win for regional Victoria with every part of the state from Portland to Bairnsdale to Mildura set to benefit and more to come.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“It’s great to see so many new paramedics joining crews across Ballarat – ensuring locals get the care they need.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“We’re delivering Ballarat and the region a new hospital, new early parenting centre, more nurses and paramedics.”
Reviewed 29 July 2022