It follows the release of the state government’s budget this week, announcing increased funding to Ambulance NSW; however, it appears the benefits wont reach the small Riverina community.  

Coolamon Shire was promised a $1.5 million grant for a new ambulance station in 2015 but the town’s joy soured this year, when a blended “paramedic and volunteer” model was approved. 

Three qualified paramedics will be supported by a ten-day-trained volunteer unit, with one paramedic on the front line at all times.  

Despite Ambulance NSW promising 50 additional relief paramedics across the state, Australian Paramedic Association zone liaison Darren Rudd said Coolamon would miss out. 

“It’s fantastic to see an increase,” Mr Rudd said. “But it’s disappointing the area with the greatest need has been completely missed.”

Mr Rudd said the addition of two paramedics at the station, could have resolved concerns about the lack of appropriate staffing. 

He said the shire was assured a trained paramedic would be with the volunteers at all times but this was not the case.

Mr Rudd said documentation revealed volunteers would respond to jobs if the qualified paramedic was treating another patient. 

“The Coolamon community isn’t happy,” Mr Rudd said. “They’ve been lied to.”

Mr Rudd said ultimately, the answer was numbers. 

He said Wagga had also been overlooked, with no new paramedics planned for the city. 

“We have issues with staffing levels in this area,” Mr Rudd said. 

“At the end of the day, Wagga’s resources are expended.” 

He said paramedics from surrounding towns were often called to assist Wagga paramedics, which meant those outlying areas were left uncovered. 

Health Services Union NSW secretary Gerard Hayes said paramedics were “deeply frustrated”.

“Premier Berejiklian claimed her Government believed there should be no difference in paramedic coverage between the bush and the city,” Mr Hayes said.

“But it seems that won’t be the case in Coolamon.”

Ambulance NSW were were unable to respond before deadline.