New year, New Paramedic Grads

• The first cohort of graduate paramedics for 2024 have commenced their training with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).
• These 53 paramedics will be deployed across the state from Cairns to Brisbane, out to Charters Towers and Murgon after they complete their six weeks of training.

Training with the Queensland Ambulance Service is well underway withthe first group of graduate paramedics for 2024 being welcomed today by Queensland's Health Minister. 

The fresh-faced recruits will spend six weeks in training at the Queensland Ambulance Service Education Centre at Whyte Island and their respective regions before going out on road later this month.

Front line health workers have been a strong focus for the Queensland Labor Government since 2015. 

In that time, ambulance operatives within the QAS has grown by 1,335 full time equivalents (FTEs), including approximately 1,200 paramedics. 

The Miles Government understands the importance of creating jobs now and for Queensland’s economic future.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women:

“Only the Miles Government is committed to delivering free, world-class health care for Queenslanders no matter where they live.

“That is why we have continued to invest in frontline services including bolstering our frontline staff.

“This group of paramedics will be heading out to every corner of our state, from Cairns to Brisbane, out to Charters Towers and Murgon, and will be out on road helping their communities in the coming weeks.

“I’m so proud to welcome our first group of graduate paramedics for the year.

“We will continue to recruit more paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers into the QAS with further intakes scheduled in March, April, May, and June of this year.

“We have already hired 688 new ambulance officers since 2020, and by July this year we will have delivered upon our commitment of to employ an additional 735.

“The hundreds of hardworking new recruits, which includes paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers, are already on road treating patients and taking 000 calls.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner Craig Emery:

“The Queensland Ambulance Service is one of the most sought-after ambulance service employers in the country.

“Today is an exciting opportunity for this newest group of graduate paramedics as they embark on what is hopefully a long and rewarding careers with the QAS.

“The 53 paramedics here today commenced their induction last week and will be out at stations across the state very shortly.

“They are a great addition to the service and have enhanced our ability to provide care to the community.

“Congratulations to the new recruits and I know their contributions to the Queensland community through the QAS will be welcomed and appreciated.”

ENDS

Media contact (Minister Fentiman) – Phoenix Campbell 0439 949 719

Media contact (QAS) - Sarah O'Rourke 0436 621 307