New response capability for Chinchilla paramedics

Paramedics at Chinchilla Ambulance Station were today officially handed the keys to a $183,000 fully-equipped Toyota Troop Carrier.

On his two-day tour across south west Queensland, Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey visited the station to commission the vehicle and recognise the extraordinary work of emergency services personnel.

“This vehicle, which has been operational for almost four months, proved its worth when localised flooding impacted the area,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Its off-road capability allowed crews to traverse difficult terrain to reach sick and injured patients and undertake welfare checks on those who were isolated.

“Outside major weather events, the high-powered winch and recovery equipment in this vehicle enables crews to access patients located in difficult areas and attend jobs at local mining sites.

“It provides a safe and practical environment for paramedics to deliver a high standard of pre-hospital medical care.”

Mr Dempsey said his visit to south west Queensland was a great opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work of Department of Community Safety (DCS) personnel across the region.

“During my visit I have seen first-hand the outstanding level of care these paramedics deliver and the local community should be extremely proud to know they’re in such good hands,” he said. 

Queensland Ambulance Service Assistant Commissioner for the Darling Downs Local Ambulance Service Network Michael Metcalf said the Chinchilla Ambulance Station, which was built in 2005, had a staffing establishment of two Advanced Care Paramedics and one Officer-in-Charge.

“Already this financial year, the crew has responded to 434 life-threatening emergency cases,” Mr Metcalf said.

“This equates to 434 lives which have potentially been saved as a result of the work of these paramedics.

“The cases which local crews attend to can vary, and on any one day crews can respond to medical cases such as cardiac arrest, patients who have suffered a fall from a horse, road traffic crashes, mining incidents to even major medical evacuations during disasters.

“This vehicle will greatly assist the team at Chinchilla to continue to deliver a high-standard of pre-hospital medical care to the local community.”

[ENDS] 15 May 2013

Media Contact: Lea Emery 0417 226 114 or Alexandra Foley 0418 256 910