Paramedic practitioners are one step closer to becoming a reality in Victoria with the state government introducing a bill into parliament to enshrine the role into law.
The Paramedic Practitioners Bill 2024 will allow qualified paramedics to deliver a greater level of care to patients when and where they need it.
The new specialised role will give graduates an expanded role – allowing them to independently deliver urgent care with the aim of reducing pressure on Victoria’s ambulance services and emergency departments.
Under the expanded role, paramedic practitioners will be able to assess, diagnose and treat many conditions locally without the need to transfer patients to hospital.
The biggest change will involve paramedic practitioners being able to handle and administer scheduled medicines, so they can prescribe and supply medicines on the spot.
The first cohort of 30 paramedics are currently undertaking a paramedic practitioner master’s degree at Monash University – with a second cohort set to begin the course next year.
“This is a big deal,” said Premier Jacinta Allan of the bill.
“The first paramedics in Australia who can deliver advanced on-the-spot care and prescribe medicines – saving many Victorians a trip to hospital.”
Ambulance Services Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said paramedic practitioners would make a big difference, especially in rural and regional parts of the state.
“They’ll have advanced skills that will help people right across regional Victoria.”
