The Andrews Labor Government has recruited hundreds of new paramedics this year – delivering another boost to our health system and helping our ambulance services meet the record levels of demand being seen Australia-wide.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas announced that three paramedics have joined the Werribee crew – with more on the way.

A current batch of 64 recruits started their training this week. These new recruits will hit the road on 22 August, heading off to stations across Melbourne and regional Victoria. It brings the total number of new paramedics recruited so far this year to 404 – with 157 joining crews in regional Victoria.

The Werribee community has greatly benefited from this with three recruits joining the Werribee Station.

Beginning with a four-week induction program which gives them the vital skills they need before they hit the road, recruits learn how to safely move and load patients to prevent injuries, aggression and assault prevention training, and driving ambulance vehicles to ‘lights and sirens’ cases.

Graduate paramedics become fully credentialed after one year, after which they continue professional development and education for their entire careers to help them provide the best care and stay safe while they’re doing so.

The Labor Government’s $35 million boost earlier this year fast-tracked the recruitment of 120 paramedics, who started in May. As part of the Victorian Budget 2022/23, a further $124 million has been invested to put even more paramedics on the road and build on record recruitment levels.

Ambulance Victoria recruited 700 paramedics in 2021 – its single largest annual recruitment ever – and is on track to recruit the same number this year. This will be critical in responding to increasing demand, with the organisation recently experiencing its busiest two quarters on record.

The Government has increased paramedic ranks by more than 66 per cent since 2014 – an increase of almost 2,200.

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“These three new paramedics are a huge win for Werribee – ensuring locals get the emergency care they need, when they need it.”

“Despite the challenges health systems across Australia are facing, we’ll keep delivering the resources and infrastructure our paramedics need, so they can keep delivering the best possible care to Victorians.”