A newly released report has laid bare the depth of the staffing crisis facing Canberra's ambulance service, warning that paramedic shortages and burnout are jeopardising response times and patient care. The 2026 Ambulance Service Review, commissioned by the ACT government, paints a grim picture of an under-resourced system struggling to meet growing demand.
Critical Staff Shortages
The report reveals that the ambulance service is operating with a significant shortfall of paramedics, with vacancy rates exceeding 20% in some areas. This has led to increased overtime, fatigue, and burnout among existing staff, who are struggling to keep up with an ever-increasing number of emergency calls. The review found that response times for the most urgent calls have slipped, with some patients waiting more than 30 minutes for an ambulance.
Impact on Patient Care
The staffing crisis is having a direct impact on patient care. Paramedics report feeling overwhelmed and unable to provide the level of care they would like. The review highlights concerns about the quality of care, with some patients experiencing delays in treatment due to a lack of available ambulances. The report also notes that the service is struggling to meet its own performance targets, which could have serious consequences for patients in life-threatening situations.
Recommendations for Change
The report makes a series of recommendations to address the crisis, including increasing recruitment and retention efforts, improving pay and conditions, and investing in new technology and infrastructure. It also calls for a review of the service's funding model to ensure it is sustainable in the long term. The ACT government has said it will consider the recommendations and develop a plan to address the issues raised.
Union Response
The union representing ambulance workers has welcomed the report, saying it confirms what they have been saying for years. The union has called for urgent action to address the staffing crisis, warning that the situation is only going to get worse without significant investment. The union has also criticised the government for failing to act sooner, saying that the crisis was predictable and preventable.
Community Concerns
The report has sparked concern among the Canberra community, with many residents worried about the state of their emergency services. Some have shared stories of long waits for ambulances and poor experiences with the service. The ACT government has acknowledged the concerns and has promised to take action to improve the situation.
The 2026 Ambulance Service Review is a stark reminder of the challenges facing emergency services across Australia. With demand for ambulance services increasing year on year, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that paramedics have the resources and support they need to do their jobs effectively.
