The towns of Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek will receive specialist paramedic support from Safety Direct Solutions (SDS).
This appointment meets recommendations in the Country Ambulance Strategy - Striving for Equity in Country WA, including improvements to coordination between hospitals and ambulance services.
SDS's experienced paramedics are expected to be in place by mid-2022, working alongside local WA Country Health Service (WACHS) staff to enhance the current Kimberley Ambulance Service (KAS) by strengthening training, clinical practice guidelines, operational policies and procedures.
This contract allows different models of care and alternative workforces to be tested to better align staff skills and experience to the needs of patients, benefiting Kimberley communities with a contemporary and patient focused ambulance service.
This announcement builds on the McGowan Government's commitment to country ambulance services which includes $1.6 million for new ambulances in the Kimberley.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that Kimberley communities may be particularly vulnerable to pressures on ambulance services, making this contract and the additional local support all the more important.
"Ambulance services in the central and west Kimberley are provided by the WACHS, operating as the KAS from WACHS facilities.
"As part of the consultation to develop the country ambulance strategy, KAS requested further ambulance skills training and the new contractor is well equipped to provide this. This training will ensure local WACHS clinicians are confident to effectively operate an ambulance crew to support their communities.
"The KAS will benefit from the support of the new paramedics to continue delivering a sustainable and continuous service to people living in the region.
"This important announcement progresses our long-term plan to safeguard the future of country ambulance services in Western Australia."
