There is a greater prevalence and burden of disease in rural Australia, including higher rates of chronic disease and mental illness. 1,2 Ensuring an adequate health workforce for rural areas is essential to achieving improved health outcomes. 1 However, in many rural and regional areas of Australia, there is a shortage of health professionals, 3 including paramedics. 1 This might impact on timely and equitable access to health care for populations at greater need. 4