Seven staff members were recruited in April bringing the numbers up to 12. 

Mr Versluis said before the new staff members were hired five people were doing all the ambulance work.

“We were working on call then,” he said. 

“So we were working primarily day shifts and then we would take the ambulances home and work from home.

“That meant we were basically working 24 hours a day for five or six days in a row.

“Which was just obviously way too much.”

Mr Versluis said he has noticed the pressure has been taken off the original staff. 

“It’s been a massive stress relief off our shoulders as we’re not working anywhere near the amount that we were,” he said. 

“We’ve got fresh staff coming on every shift so it’s also a great benefit to the community.”

The station has been able to put in place a 24 hour shift rotation roster. The paramedics do 12 hour shifts either from 7am until 7pm or 7pm until 7am. 

“The fatigue issue is now virtually none existent,” Mr Versluis said.

All of the new paramedics have come from places which are situated out west including Narrandera and Warren. 

Mr Versluis said anywhere on the coast or the eastern seaboard is a prime location to work and live. 

“So they’re pretty happy to come from a  more remote areas to a station like Laurieton,” he said. 

Mr Versluis said the older crew are enjoying bonding with the younger members. 

“It’s been nice to have young, fresh, enthusiastic staff come into the station,” he said. 

“I think it’s lifted our enthusiasm too.” 

Mr Versluis has been the station manager for nearly 25 years and he said the community is extremely appreciative and supportive. 

“To the point where some of the equipment that we carry in our ambulances has been donated by the community,” he said.