Big Medicine

Sydney NSW--Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Carmel Tebbutt today joined communities across NSW to thank paramedics as part of the annual "Thank A Paramedic Day."

"We have an extremely hard working ambulance service here in NSW and I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the NSW Government, to say thank you," Ms Tebbutt said.

"I often receive letters from the community expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the assistance that they have received from our hard working paramedics.

"Last year alone the NSW Ambulance Service responded to over 1.1 million patients across the State - the equivalent to a call every 28 seconds.

"There are over 3290 paramedics, supported by over 280 call takers and dispatchers, working to maintain a readiness to respond to emergencies across the State 24 hours a day by air, road and sea.

"Our paramedics are trained to respond to a range of emergency situations from cardiac arrests, serious trauma and strokes, to falls and motor vehicle collisions.

"This year alone our paramedics have taken part in major rescue operations including providing tsunami relief assistance to the residents of Samoa.

"The emergency care and support provided by paramedics in difficult and stressful situations often leaves a lasting impression on our patients and their families.

"November 20 - Thank a Paramedic Day - has been dedicated to a public celebration of paramedics and the medical care they provide to the NSW community.

"It is also an occasion for paramedics to reflect on the valuable and important role they have within our society."

The NSW Government is investing over $405 million in supporting the ambulance services in 2009/10, which is $65.3 million more than last year - or an increase of over 19%.