PARAMEDICS in the Riverina claim they are forced to rely on Google Maps in life-or-death situations because their internal navigation systems are “dangerously outdated”.
Local representatives from the Australian Paramedics Association (APA) have implored NSW Ambulance to fix GPS technology and communication infrastructure in all ambulances.
President of APA NSW and Riverina-based paramedic Steve Pierce said the issue has gutted the efficiency of emergency service response times and jeopardised lives.
“We’ve had paramedics turn up to empty paddocks looking for rural locations,” he said.
“Near Deniliquin, we had a patient who was dying in the back of an ambulance and the paramedics were unable to make contact with anybody because of a radio black-spot.
“It is critical that these issues are addressed.”
Mr Pierce said “so-called” new data locators had been installed in the region’s ambulances, but they have failed.
“Paramedics are driving around with Google Maps instead,” he said.
“The safety side of things for patients is being degenerated to save money.”
The accusation has left a bitter taste in the mouths’ of Wagga’s NSW Ambulance subscribers, who feel they are being “shortchanged” compared to metropolitan clients.
Resident Jo Dyson said that while she has no plans to cancel her cover, she would take action if her health ever suffered as a result of navigation failures.
“Why should we get a lesser service than people in Sydney because we choose to live in the country?” Ms Dyson said.
“It’s infuriating and quite frankly, very concerning.
“It doesn’t matter how much faith we have in the training of paramedics if they’re using questionable technology.”
It follows a heated public stoush over revelations just three paramedics and a team of volunteers would staff Coolamon’s new $1.5 million ambulance station.
NSW Ambulance have refuted the accusations.
“Every emergency ambulance within the NSW Ambulance fleet has either integrated GPS or has a stand-alone GPS service installed by NSW Ambulance fleet management,” a spokesperson said.
“NSW Ambulance local management is not aware of any navigation systems issues.”
- This story originally appeared in The Daily Advertiser
