Brand new ambulances arrive in the Kimberley this week

The first of six brand new, custom-fitted ambulances arrived in the Kimberley this week, ready to answer the call of critically ill or injured residents of Derby and surrounding communities.

The $1.6 million, six-vehicle fleet includes three dual-berth ambulances to be based in Derby, two dual-berth vehicles in Halls Creek and one single-berth vehicle in Fitzroy Crossing.

The four-wheel-drive ambulances are equipped with specialist communications and safety technology and are fitted out to carry patients and staff through the Kimberley's unique conditions such as heavy rain, high temperatures and unsealed remote roads.

They also have increased fuel capacity to transport patients to hospital across long distances between isolated towns.

WA Country Health Service Regional Director Kimberley, Rex O'Rourke said the new ambulances would be welcomed by staff and the community alike.

"Across the Kimberley we're fortunate to have incredible teams of experienced, long-serving and dedicated frontline clinicians and these brand new ambulances will improve how we support them in their work," Mr O'Rourke said.

"The Derby, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing communities can be reassured that this state-of-the-art ambulance fleet will enable our hardworking nurses, orderlies and paramedics to transport them safely, and as quickly as possible, to their nearest hospital for potentially life-saving treatment."

The $1.6 million investment is part of the State Government's commitment to WA's Country Ambulance Strategy – Striving for Equity in Country WA.

All six new ambulances are expected to be operational in the region from the end of January 2023.