A Smoother Ride for Bowen Patients

Dale Last presenting the Bowen QAS with the newest addition to their fleet. Photo supplied

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Bowen paramedics have welcomed a new $282,000 patient transport ambulance, providing a more comfortable and practical way to move patients throughout the region.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last said this addition was vital to maintaining a strong, well-functioning health system in Bowen.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering a world-class health system for all Queenslanders, no matter where they live. Part of that commitment is giving our ambulance officers the resources they need to do their jobs safely,” Mr Last said.

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“In Bowen our QAS plays a vital role in transporting more acute patients to larger, referring hospitals, which is why we have ensured they have a state-of-the-art vehicle to meet the needs of our officers and patients.”

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The new vehicle can carry two patients on powered stretchers, with room for up to four additional patients who can walk aboard.

It also has a refrigerated compartment to keep medication at the correct temperature, while a video display allows the driver to keep a closer eye on the patient area throughout the journey.

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Bowen ambulance crews spend much of their time transporting patients beyond the town to other parts of the region, making the new vehicle a timely and welcome addition.  

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“It’s fantastic, as it’s replacing an older vehicle, so it's a lot smoother and more comfortable for patients,” said Heather Shields, officer in charge at the Bowen Ambulance Station.  

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“We do transfers from Bowen Hospital to Mackay, or Bowen to Townsville University Hospital and we quite often transfer patients to and from Collinsville to Bowen Hospital as well, from Bowen to Collinsville Hospital.

“But due to the number of kilometers that we do each year in that vehicle, it was getting dated.”

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Besides giving patients a smoother trip the vehicle will make everyday transfers easier and safer for Bowen’s ambulance officers, with its powered loading systems reduce the physical strain involved in moving patients, particularly during the station’s frequent long-distance trips.

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“There’s no lifting required with the stretchers to get them in and out of the vehicle when they’ve got patients on them,” Heather said.

“It’s a great addition to our fleet at Bowen Station and for the community.”

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