Ten rescue and special operations paramedics will start on the road in regional NSW this month, following a two-month intensive training program.
The first NSW Ambulance rescue course for 2025 consisted of qualified paramedics already in the service, seeking to extend their qualifications to access and provide care to patients in hazardous environments.
Paramedics learn a range of skills including road crash rescue, vertical rescue, land search and rescue, tactical medicine, swift water operations, confined space rescue, breathing apparatus operations and large animal rescue, at training locations throughout Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, and the Hunter.
"This program is designed to equip paramedics with all the skills necessary to perform their life-saving skills in any environment," NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan said.
"Completing such a demanding course reflects their commitment to providing the highest standard of care to the communities they serve."
The graduates include Intensive Care Paramedic Aaron Nielsen, who will move to Singleton to work as a Rescue Paramedic.
"It has all been very rewarding, learning new skills and putting them into practice each day. There has been a physically challenging component to each day as well, which has really tested us," Mr Neilsen said.
"I look forward to utilising my skillsets as an intensive care and rescue paramedic in a regional community."
This latest class will be posted across the state at Ambulance Rescue stations located at Rutherford, Singleton, Tamworth, Cowra, Bomaderry and Wagga Wagga as certified Rescue and Special Operations paramedics.
Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park said the new recruits would be part of a crucial life-saving force across the region.
"Emergency services play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe, and these paramedics are now even better equipped to respond to a wide range of emergencies," he said.
"Their training ensures they can deliver expert care in some of the most demanding and unpredictable circumstances."
The news comes as state member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, prepares to deliver a petition to the New South Wales parliament calling for expanded healthcare to support intensive care paramedics. The petition also calls for services, including pathology, to be protected at the Cootamundra Health Service and pathology lab.
“These cuts will result in the further loss of services, cause longer delays in treating illnesses and further strain already overstretched regional healthcare services,” the petition said.
