130 years of NSW Ambulance

NSW Ambulance has celebrated its 130th anniversary, and paramedics across the state were honoured at a ceremony last week.

The celebration at the NSW Ambulance State Operations Centre in Sydney Olympic Park included a rescue demonstration by the Special Operations Unit paramedics, a display of vintage ambulances and a permanent timeline exhibition showcasing key moments in NSW Ambulance history.

The Chief Executive of NSW Ambulance, Dr Dominic Morgan, said the organisation was incredibly proud of what NSW Ambulance had become.

“And of the advancements in emergency medical interventions that ensure our staff can provide the best possible care to patients,” he said.

“Our staff are dedicated, highly trained clinicians who are committed to continuing the traditions of excellence in out-of-hospital care.”

Originally known as the Civil Ambulance and Transport Brigade, NSW’s first recognised ambulance service began operations in April 1895.

The first ambulance station was in a borrowed police station in Railway Square, Sydney, and two permanent officers transported patients on hand-held stretchers and hand litters – wooden structures that resembled large wheelbarrows.

Today, NSW Ambulance receives more than 1.2 million Triple Zero (000) calls each year and has more than 7,500 staff, including paramedics, control centre staff, corporate and support staff, doctors, nurses, clinical volunteers, and chaplains.

Regions such as the Northern Rivers have benefitted from the addition of eight Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulances (HARAs) and eight Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) to boost response capabilities during floods and natural disasters.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said it was a pleasure to celebrate the service’s progress since its humble beginnings.

“When people call Triple Zero for an ambulance, they are often scared and experiencing the worst day of their lives, and I’d like to thank NSW Ambulance staff for the exceptional care they provide patients and their families in their time of need.”

Lismore acting duty operations officer Ash Armstrong has worked with NSW Ambulance for 10 years and is proud to be part of the organisation.

“I have a lot of pride working for the ambulance service,” Armstrong said.

“You feel very respectful putting the uniform on each day.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people, which is a bit of a cliché and what everyone says, but it’s true.

“It’s not just a job for me. I really do love what I do. I’m very passionate about providing care to people, and in the job that I’m doing now, I provide care to the paramedics that provide care to the people, and that’s an important job to take very seriously,” she said.