Tragic family loss sparks QAS review
By Sonia Isaacs
A BEERWAH resident has called for an urgent review of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) following the recent death of her father, who she believes could have been saved had an ambulance arrived sooner.
The hinterland resident (who requested her family name not be used) revealed that at the time of her mother’s emergency call, no ambulances were available in Beerwah.
“Three ambulances were dispatched. One from Mooloolaba, one from Birtinya, and the closest one from Maleny,” she said. “We were later devastated to discover the Maleny ambulance took a wrong turn onto a no-through road due to mapping errors, causing further delays.”
Despite the paramedics’ best efforts, her 66-year old father, a local business owner from Peachester, could not be saved. “It took all three ambulances 32 minutes to reach my Dad,” she said. She has since lodged a formal complaint with QAS, citing a lack of local coverage and calling the service “broken” and inadequate for the rapidly growing Hinterland community.
“Something needs to be done before more lives are lost,” she urged. “We asked how many ambulances were based in Beerwah and were told there’s only one on each shift covering Beerwah and the surrounding areas. “If that ambulance is busy, they try to get another one to cover the area, but that’s not always possible, so it takes longer for help to arrive.”
QAS Assistant Commissioner for the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay, Rita Kelly, acknowledged the concerns raised by the Beerwah resident and her family and confirmed that reviews of the case are ongoing. She explained that Beerwah station operates 24/7 with one to three ambulances available at any time, along with an operational supervisor. Ms Kelly said the Beerwah station operates on a dynamic deployment model, ensuring ambulances are sent where they are most needed.
“We won’t hold ambulances in an area when we have sick patients elsewhere,” she explained. She also highlighted that the upcoming opening of the Caloundra South station later this month would help ease pressure on Beerwah’s resources. While expressing sympathy for the family and acknowledging the devastation of their loss, Ms Kelly said she remained confident that the closest and most appropriate resource had been deployed at the time of the incident.
“If someone is critically unwell, we do not delay. Through our coding system, we send the closest available ambulance at all times,” she assured. Ms Kelly said QAS supervisors had met with the family, and would continue to work with them. She acknowledged that rare mapping issues, such as those encountered by the Maleny crew, can occur but are rapidly reported and swiftly addressed through internal systems.
“From a public safety standpoint, if people have concerns about mapping in their area, they can contact us, the Department of Resources, or their local council so we can ensure our systems are accurate.” Ms Kelly added that mapping is regularly reviewed every three months.
Ms Kelly noted that every year, the Sunshine Coast region undergoes a local area needs assessment to ensure the service adapts to the community’s evolving demands.
“We take a holistic approach to understanding what models of service delivery are required for the district,” she said. “This annual review may lead to future developments, particularly in growth corridors like Beerwah to Beerburrum.” She emphasised that while the nature of the ambulance service means they deal with critically ill people,
QAS cannot be everywhere at all times. “We encourage where possible community engagement and education to help build greater self sufficiency and resilience,” she added.
