Racing Queensland, in conjunction with its race clubs, supply medical and veterinary services to all race meetings to ensure immediate care and treatment of participants and animals.
It is a requirement for two Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) paramedics to be in attendance at all meetings, in accordance with Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and Racing Queensland raceday procedures. These requirements were developed following a formal risk assessment process.
Following a competitive tender process evaluated by RQ, QRIC and club representatives, Medical Rescue was appointed to provide this service to Queensland harness race clubs.
Medical Rescue holds a Queensland Commercial Paramedic Services License, issued by Queensland Health, with its compliance audited annually. Its paramedics are issued with the same equipment and medications that QAS ambulances carry.
The transport of patients is strictly governed by the Ambulance Service Act (1991). Common practice outlines that racing and sporting events provide first responder paramedics, followed by emergency patient transport by a legislated transport service.
The services provided are consistent with other harness racing jurisdictions in Australia.