Paramedic Special Operations expand specialist rescue response

A permanent St John WA Paramedic Special Operations (PSO) crew now operates from 9am-9pm seven days a week, enhancing emergency ambulance and specialist rescue response capacity to ensure a more immediate reaction to incidents.

The inception of the PSO capability dates back to 2004 and has continued to evolve.

With an expanded clinical scope and specialised training tailored to navigating hostile and hazardous incidents, PSOs play a pivotal role in facilitating extrications across the diverse landscapes of Western Australia, and intervene in cases requiring specialised skills to access and manage patients safely.

From residential areas, industrial sites, beaches, bushlands, and water-based settings, their expertise is crucial for Priority 1 case support, crush injuries, poisoning cases, sieges, active armed offender incidents, extended cases with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), confined space rescues, multi-casualty situations, and operations in austere environments such as search and rescue, disaster support, bushfires, and cyclones.

Operating from a St John WA dual-cab vehicle, a PSO crew comes fully equipped with specialised tools for extrication, HAZMAT exposure personal protective equipment (PPE), advanced medical gear, and provisions for extended or overnight retrievals.

This comprehensive preparedness allows the team to tackle a wide array of emergency situations with precision and effectiveness.

To ensure a seamlessly integrated response, PSOs work in close collaboration with external partnering agencies, including the Western Australian Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) task force, the Western Australian Medical Assistance Team (WAMAT), the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT), and the Western Australian Police Force – Tactical Response Group (TRG). This collaborative approach underscores a commitment to excellence in emergency response, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the Western Australian community.

This collaborative approach underscores a commitment to excellence in emergency response, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the Western Australian community.