New paramedic support for Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek

The towns of Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek will receive additional support from specialist paramedics, as WA Country Health Service (WACHS) continues to implement the Country Ambulance Strategy: Striving for Equity in Country WA.

In a Kimberley ‘first’, the three experienced paramedics will work alongside local staff in the hospitals as well as enhancing the existing WACHS-run Kimberley Ambulance Service. 

A contract has been awarded to Safety Direct Solutions (SDS), and paramedics are expected to be in place by the end of March 2022.

“This exciting initiative is an opportunity to formally trial paramedics in a hospital environment for the first time, and is in line with the recommendations in WA’s Country Ambulance Strategy,” Regional Director Kimberley, Bec Smith said.

This announcement follows the first stage of an investment into country ambulance services that included $1.6 million for new ambulances in the Kimberley, expected to be joining the fleet in the second half of 2022.