Queensland Ambulance Service

Emergency medical service in Queensland, Australia

Logo of the Queensland Ambulance Service

The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) is the statutory provider of pre-hospital emergency medical care and ambulance transport in the state of Queensland, Australia. The service operates under the jurisdiction of the Queensland Government and is part of the Department of Health.

History

Queensland Ambulance and Transport Brigade Hospital, ca. 1915

The origins of the Queensland Ambulance Service can be traced back to the late 19th century. The first formal ambulance service in Queensland was established in 1892 as the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB) in Brisbane. The service was initially staffed by volunteers and was created in response to the need for organized medical transport and care.

In 1991, the QATB was restructured and renamed the Queensland Ambulance Service, becoming a government-operated entity. This transition marked a significant shift towards professionalization and modernization of ambulance services in the state.

Operations

A Queensland Ambulance Service vehicle

The Queensland Ambulance Service operates a fleet of ambulances and other emergency response vehicles across the state. The service is responsible for providing emergency medical response, patient transport, and community education on health and safety.

QAS employs a range of healthcare professionals, including paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, and support staff. The service is equipped to handle a variety of medical emergencies, from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions.

Specialized Units

A QAS Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulance

The Queensland Ambulance Service has several specialized units to address specific needs within the community. These include:

• Bicycle Response Team: Deployed in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as the Gold Coast, to provide rapid response in congested environments.
• High Acuity Response Unit (HARU): Equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed by highly trained paramedics to manage complex medical emergencies.
• Aeromedical Services: In collaboration with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, QAS provides aeromedical transport for patients in remote and rural areas.

Community Engagement

QAS is actively involved in community education and engagement programs. These initiatives aim to improve public awareness of health and safety practices, including first aid training and emergency preparedness.

Challenges and Developments

The Queensland Ambulance Service faces ongoing challenges such as increasing demand for services, particularly in urban areas, and the need for continuous training and development of its workforce. Technological advancements and innovations in medical care are also integral to the service's evolution.

Related pages

• Emergency medical services in Australia
• Queensland Health
• Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia