RAPID ACTION MOBILE BIKE OFFICERS Improving Emergency Response Times to Save Lives

A Tim Nicholls-led Liberal National Government will introduce rapid emergency response teams in southeast Queensland.

The Problem Our Record From June 2015 to September 2016, ambulance response In government, the LNP improved coordination to meet times to code 1 incidents blew out across southeast the growing demand for emergency health services by Queensland by over a minute in some areas. In medical integrating the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) emergencies, a minute can be the difference between life within the Department of Health. and death. In 2014-15, we provided 100 additional frontline officers As population growth continues in the southeast and and initiatives such as the lower acuity patient service traffic congestion increases, Queensland’s sick and injured through a $590.2 million investment in the QAS. We also need a responsive ambulance service that can rise to the introduced 155 new and replacement ambulance vehicles challenge. in 2014-15 to follow the 155 ambulance vehicles already delivered in 2013-14. Currently, there are no in Queensland. They have been operating in Victoria (since 2010), New South Wales (1993), the United Kingdom (1991), Our Real Plan the Netherlands (1997) and Hong Kong (1982). Motorcycle paramedics are effective in built-up areas for rapid A Tim Nicholls-led LNP Government will create a responses to emergencies, navigating congested traffic motorcycle paramedic unit for South East Queensland. faster than a regular emergency vehicle. Under our plan, Brisbane and the Gold Coast will have a dedicated motorcycle paramedic unit by mid-2018. The evidence is solo motorcycle paramedics improve Motorcycle paramedics will play an important role in patient survival rates by reaching patients sooner with gaining vital minutes for patients where traffic congestion life-saving treatment and support. Average response and access are problems. This dedicated unit will help cut times of motorcycle paramedics in have response times in some of our busiest regions. been reduced to as little as 3.5 minutes. Motorcycle paramedics are supported by ambulance vans. Motorcycle paramedics will be ready to respond to Clinical trials by the Department of at any emergency with similar equipment to that carried Singapore General Hospital found the average response in emergency , including defibrillators for time was almost five minutes faster for cardiac arrests. compared to traditional ambulances. The study found these The paramedic bike squad (RAAMBOs) will consist of faster response times improved survival seven motorbikes and 12 paramedics – rapid responders to rates by up to 11 per cent. The evidence is in: motorcycle emergencies in and around Brisbane and the Gold Coast paramedics save lives. where traffic congestion is risking lives. This dedicated unit will help cut response times. With hospital budgets blowing out, we need to find more cost-effective ways of improving frontline emergency health services. This is part of our plan to provide safe and liveable communities and Build a Better Queensland.

COVER PHOTO: Paramedic riding a rapid action motorcycle ambulance in Sydney.

To learn more about Our Plan visit betterqueensland.org.au RAPID ACTION AMBULANCE MOBILE BIKE OFFICERS Frequently Asked Questions Will RAAMBOs improve response times and patient safety? What are RAAMBOs? Based on other jurisdictions, the introduction of mobile RAAMBOs are our paramedic motorcycle rapid paramedics has led to significantly lower response response unit, consisting of 12 officers who will react to times and improved service for patients. emergencies in and around traffic-congested zones of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Where will RAAMBOs be rolled out? The pilot will be in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. Why do we need mobile ambulance officers? Following the evaluation, we would give consideration Code 1 response times have blown out under Labor and to rolling out the initiative in other Queensland as traffic congestion worsens we need to ensure our communities. paramedics can get to the sick and injured as quickly as possible. Won’t we need to call ambulance vans anyway? At least 10 per cent of ambulance call-outs do not Ambulance Response Times: require transport. Improving response times can save Metro response times in minutes lives before an ambulance transport arrives. 2014 2016 Under LNP Under Labor Metro North (Code 1 - 50%) 8.5 8.7 Metro North (Code 1 - 90%) 16.0 16.1 Metro South (Code 1 - 50%) 8.7 9.4 Metro South (Code 1 - 90%) 15.8 17.1 Gold Coast (Code 1 - 50%) 8.6 9.4 Gold Coast (Code 1 - 90%) 15.7 16.9

Source: Queensland Ambulance Service, Performance Reports - Comparing Third Quarter 2016-17 vs Second Quarter 2014-15. Authorised by L.Folo. 66-68 Bowen Street, Spring Hill QLD 4000.

Together, Let’s Build a Better Queensland

To learn more about Our Plan visit betterqueensland.org.au