New $750,000 ambulance bus is a waste of money, union says

NOW that’s what you call an ambulance! It’s the size of a bus and cost $750,000. There’s only one problem — the paramedics union says it’s a complete waste of money. Find out why.

THE new Ambus ambulance bus able to treat up to 12 patients at a time is a waste of money and will have little use, the ambulance workers union believes.

Ambulance Employees Association state secretary Phil Palmer said the union had not been consulted over the purchase of the 12m vehicle and predicted it would have little use.

SA Ambulance director of operations Andy Long, with the multi-patient Ambus was launched at the weekend, and can be used to treat up to 12 patients at a time. Pic: Tait Schmaal

“It is a white elephant,” he said.

“When the idea first bobbed up we were told it would be used for transporting non-urgent patients between hospitals. It can’t do that because it won’t fit at EDs at places such as FMC, the RAH, the Women’s and Children’s and so on.

“Now we are being told it will be used at major events like Schoolies.

“The bottom line is it will not be used on a day-to-day basis and at $750,000 is frankly a waste of money — taxpayers are not getting bang for buck and the Government has been sold a pup by managers who are no longer with the SA Ambulance Service.

“With Treasury breathing down our necks for cuts this money would have been much better spent back filling key positions.”

Health Minister Jack Snelling unveiled the ambus at the weekend saying it would give paramedics a critical advantage when attending major incidents resulting in multiple casualties like bushfires and car crashes.

“SA Ambulance Service will have more capability than ever to care for sick and injured South

Australians with this revolutionary vehicle,” Mr Snelling said at the time.

He defended the purchase on ABC radio this morning while Opposition health spokesman Stephen Wade joined in the criticism.