FUNDING for community paramedics offering a lifesaving service in the towns of Ceduna and Robe have escaped the Budget scalpel.

Health minister Stephen Wade said the $862,000 per year program has been extended until the end of 2019 following a trial period, which was due to come to an end on September 30 this year.

Last week the Sunday Mail revealed Robe Mayor Peter Riseley and Ceduna Mayor Allan Suter were fighting for the two-year-old services to be continued, arguing the paramedics have saved lives.

The paramedics did a raft of tasks in the two regional municipalities ranging from palliative care to high-level pain management, runs out next month.

Mr Wade said the program is a fantastic partnership between SA Ambulance Service, Country Health SA and Country SA Primary Health Network (PHN).S

“It and is testament to what can be achieved by working together,” Mr Wade said.

“The program is designed to connect local patients to the most suitable community health care

option for their unique circumstances, while also ensuring these small communities have access to emergency treatment when required.”

Country SA PHN, Chief Executive Officer, Kim Hosking said community paramedics provide

preventive health screening, pre-hospital health care and education tailored to the needs of local communities.

“In collaboration with the patient’s GP, community paramedics will continue to focus on treating patients in their own homes to prevent medical conditions from developing into situations that require urgent medical attention,” Mr Hosking said.