The fight against COVID-19 continues with additional Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers fast-tracked into Queensland communities to assist in the pandemic response.

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said Ipswich locals can be reassured the Palaszczuk Government is continuing to boost frontline resources to assist patients who’ve contracted the virus.

“Our healthcare workers are at the coal face of our fight against this pandemic,” Ms Howard said.

“Ipswich residents deserve access to world class health care and that’s why we’ve already deployed an extra 4 paramedics in our region.”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said Ipswich residents would benefit from the additional paramedics throughout the region. 

“Unfortunately, we know the number of cases will continue to rise over the coming weeks which is why we’re fast-tracking paramedic training, to get extra sets of hands into Queensland communities.

“I’m very pleased to announce that 6 more will start on the frontline very shortly.”

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said our ambulance officers are playing a critical role in identifying potential COVID-19 cases and getting patients to facilities where they can be tested, isolated, and treated as required.

“We know that more ambos mean shorter response times and more patients getting the healthcare they need,” Mr McCallum said.

“We are continuing the work we’ve already done to build capacity in our health care system, ensuring Ipswich residents get the world class care they deserve along with delivering more local frontline jobs.”

Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said that the new paramedics would ensure world class health for Ipswich residents.

“Ipswich residents deserve access to the best possible healthcare, they expect that when they or a loved one calls 000 an ambulance arrives in a timely manner to deliver world class care.

“More paramedics will ease the pressure on our health system and ensure everyone has access to that care.”

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said an additional 60 new graduates will begin training later this month.

“The graduates will be deployed within three weeks of their induction to assist with the pandemic response across the State.

“The Majority will be placed in the South East corner of the state depending on where the demand is.”

QAS Triple Zero (000) Operations Centres will also get a boost, with an additional 15 Emergency Medical Dispatchers to begin training on 27 April 2020.

QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles said planning for an expected surge in workload had been ongoing since January.

“We’re well versed at preparing for and responding to major events and while this pandemic is something new we’re confident we have the plans in place to meet community demand,” Commissioner Bowles said.