- First of six brand new, state-of-the-art ambulances arrive in Derby this week
- Four-wheel-drive ambulances equipped with specialist communications technology and custom-fitted to the Kimberley's road and weather conditions
- Remaining fleet expected to be on the ground and servicing communities in Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing by the end of January 2023$1.6 million investment as part of the McGowan Government's implementation of the Country Ambulance Strategy
The first of six brand new, custom-fitted ambulances arrived in the Kimberley this week, ready to answer the call of critically ill or injured residents of Derby and its surrounding communities.
The $1.6 million, six-vehicle fleet includes:
- three dual-berth vehicles to be based in Derby;
- two dual-berth vehicles in Halls Creek; and
- one single-berth vehicle in Fitzroy Crossing.
The four-wheel-drive ambulances are equipped with specialist communications and safety technology and are fitted out to carry patients and staff through the Kimberley's unique conditions - such as heavy rain, high temperatures, and unsealed remote roads.
They also have an increased fuel capacity, to transport patients to hospital across long distances between towns.
The $1.6 million investment is part of the McGowan Government's commitment to Western Australia's Country Ambulance Strategy - Striving for Equity in Country WA.
All six new ambulances are expected to be operational in the region from the end of January 2023.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"A $1.6 million investment in six brand new, state-of-the-art ambulances will provide significant support to locals in Derby, Halls Creek, and Fitzroy Crossing.
"We have ensured this new fleet is tailored to the Kimberley environment - and the huge distances that ambulances sometimes travel - to carry patients safely to our emergency department teams."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"These six ambulances will boost ambulance services in some of Western Australia's most remote areas.
"Access to ambulance support to Kimberley residents - especially in remote communities surrounding Derby, Halls Creek and Fitzroy - is vital.
"I am happy to see that improving ambulance support to Kimberley residents was a key priority of our Country Ambulance Strategy."
