New ambulances set to arrive across Cape York

Health workers in a remote Far North indigenous community will respond faster to medical emergencies with a new ambulance to be used for time-critical patients.

Hope Vale mayor Bruce Gibson, health minister Tim Nicholls, Member for Cook David Kempton and Hope Vale deputy mayor Barry Bowen during a recent visit to southern Cape York. Picture: Supplied.

Health workers in a remote Far North indigenous community will respond faster to medical emergencies with a new ambulance to be used for time-critical patients.

A hospital-based ambulance has been delivered to Hope Vale, around 200km north of Cairns in southern Cape York, with Mapoon, Lockhart River, Aurukun and Kowanyama, to receive ambulances of their own soon.

The new vehicle means health staff will no longer be forced to rely on non-ambulance vehicles during emergencies, health minister Tim Nicholls said.

“This expansion of the Hospital Based Ambulance service into the Cape will see five

clinics receive a fully kitted-out ambulance, along with training and education, for

health staff to respond in their remote community,” Mr Nicholls said.

The delivery of an ambulance to the Hope Vale Primary Health Care Centre is the

result of a partnership between the Queensland Ambulance Service and the

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.

The upgrade follows a review of Cape York operations, identifying the need to strengthen emergency response and community education, QAS Torres and Cape executive manager Krystal Smith said.

“Our teams already provide culturally appropriate care, and this expansion lets us do

more — like training locals in first aid, CPR, and injury prevention,” Ms Smith said.

“We’re also improving clinical support, emergency coordination and safety for both

patients and staff.”

Training to use the vehicle and equipment for local health staff and volunteer drivers

at Hope Vale has been provided by the QAS.

Originally published as New ambulances set to arrive across Cape York