Paramedics speak out on inner west station downgrades
AN INNER west paramedic has spoken out about the pending downgrade of three local ambulance stations saying “there is no way response times won’t be affected”.
Inner West
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AN INNER west paramedic has spoken out about the pending downgrade of three local ambulance stations saying “there is no way response times won’t be affected”.
From November, Concord, Marrickville and Campsie stations will be “downgraded “and paramedics moved to a new “super station” being built in Haberfield.
In a move similar to the merger of police commands, the changes will see paramedics cover an expanded response area, stretching roughly from the CBD to Auburn.
With changes less than five months away, one paramedic, who asked not to be named, contacted the Courier with concerns about the overhaul.
He said removing resources from Concord, Marrickville and Campsie – where up to 12 cars are on call at a time – would leave “massive” holes in the coverage area.
“Despite massive population growth in our local areas over the last decade and ever increasing traffic congestion challenges our local emergency ambulances are being moved up to 10km away,” he said.
“Currently there are four ambulances and paramedic crews based out of Concord Ambulance Station every single day providing emergency services and coverage to the local area
“Under the new Haberfield superstation arrangement, one ambulance may be be sent to Concord for cover at times if resources are available.
“The result will be less ambulances in the local area which we fear will result in poorer response times and health outcomes for our local communities.”
A NSW Ambulance spokesman confirmed paramedics would start and finish their shifts in Haberfield and be deployed to Paramedic Response Points — described as shipping containers stocked with supplies — based on operational needs.
He said the super station would have facilities including an operations centre to respond to major emergencies and a dedicated medication room.
The paramedic was not confident the changes would improve response times.
“There will be no extra ambulances or crews and if we’re responding to a call 10km away and have to get down Parramatta Rd in many cases those extra five minutes will be vital.”
The NSW Ambulance spokesman declined to respond to questions about response times but said the super station would provide support for paramedics “not possible in existing buildings.”