New paramedics arrive in Geraldton to bolster local ambulance efforts

Four new full-time paramedics will start working in Geraldton from Friday as part of a push by the State Government to support regional ambulance services.

The paramedics are part of a group 31 new full-time equivalent (FTE) paramedics heading to the regions under a new contract with St John WA.

Geraldton has seen the largest share of this boost. New paramedics have also been installed in Busselton, Narrogin, Newman and East Bunbury.

Geraldton’s stretched ambulance service was thrust into the spotlight last year in the wake of the death of local grandmother Joan Hope, who died of a suspected heart attack after having to wait 30 minutes for an ambulance.

Last year, police officers across WA, including in Geraldton, helped St John by having its officers respond to some medical emergencies instead of paramedics. That arrangement has since ended.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said there had been a 25 per cent increase in the number of paid paramedics in regional WA since mid-2022.

“The McGowan Government is working to ensure our ambulance services meets the need of our regional communities,” she said.

“We have collaborated with St John WA and the WA Country Health Service to identify communities that require additional support and I am pleased that these paramedics will now begin deployment.”

Bringing in an additional 18 paramedics to regional WA was a commitment of the McGowan Government at the last election.

A flying squad of eight FTE paramedics who will provide relief will also be established.

“This investment builds on existing paramedic capability in country WA, including the highly-valued network of volunteers who do an extraordinary job,” Ms Sanderson said.

Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton applauded the move.

“I welcome the additional four paid paramedics for the Geraldton community and the new ‘flying squad’ roster of paid paramedics will also provide welcome relief for community paramedics and surge support where required,” she said.