Health workers and volunteer ambulance officers looking to upskill will benefit from a major recruitment drive, as the Marshall Liberal Government further strengthens emergency care for the community.
An initial injection of $755,000 into SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) will create new pathways into paramedicine, helping ensure South Australians get the health support they need, when they need it.
The recruitment pathway comes after the independent auditor-general report showed the Marshall Liberal Government has boosted the SAAS workforce by 187 FTE over the past two years.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said that health workers and volunteer ambulance officers will be able to apply for a funded Graduated Paramedic Pathway role at SAAS.
“The successful candidates will be able to train to Diploma level courses delivered by Central Queensland University, whilst at the same time working for SAAS and gaining valuable experience on road under the guided support of paramedic mentors” said Minister Wade.
“They will then be able to progress to undertake the nationally accredited Bachelor of Paramedical Science.
“These ambulance officers will hit the ground early next year, and will be complemented with the annual recruitment of intern paramedics.
“This is just one of many investments into the ambulance service by this government to deliver more paramedics, more ambulances, upgraded stations, and life-saving emergency equipment.
“Communities throughout South Australia will benefit from these resources – particularly communities in regional areas where it can be difficult to recruit qualified paramedics”.
SA Ambulance Service Chief Executive Officer David Place said the health of all South Australians was the highest priority and that the service continues to find new and improved ways of doing business.
“The introduction of a pathway for ambulance officers to become qualified paramedics gives students the option to study and gain valuable skills, whilst on the job.” said Mr Place.
“Paramedicine is a very highly regarded profession and it is a massive coup for SAAS to be able to upskill those already committed to the industry, and put in place a recruitment pipeline for the future.
“We look forward to health workers and volunteer ambulance officers embracing the opportunity, with 20 positions initially available.
“We continue to boost our paramedic workforce to meet increasing demand and look forward to welcoming our new recruits.”
For more information visit www.saambulance.com.au or iworkfor.sa.gov.au
