Some 50 new intensive care ambulances will be rolled out across regional NSW in a bid to save more patients who live hundreds of kilometres from their nearest major hospital.
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The new $11.7 million fleet of special ambulances, equipped with upgraded defibrillators, video laryngoscopes and mechanical CPR devices, joins 35 of the vehicles already deployed last year.
Another 19 of the special ambulances will be send to metropolitan areas.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW will have the largest fleet of this type in any Australian state or territory.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the new ambulances would bolster emergency response across NSW with the most advanced equipment.
"Every second counts in the race to save a life and these highly specialised vehicles give paramedics the best chance when transporting a patient on extended trips to a major regional hospital," Mr Barilaro said.
NSW Ambulance chief executive Dominic Morgan said the equipment will make a big difference in the treatment of patients suffering trauma, cardiac arrest, stroke or breathing difficulties.
"The equipment also provides our paramedics with greater protection when treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients," he said.
Australian Associated Press
