HACSU estimates vehicles in the region travel 5000 kilometres a month, in comparison to 3000km per month in other areas of Tasmania.

State secretary Tim Jacobson said alterations to the travel patterns of paramedics contribute to the increase number.

“A lot of the time, the extra kilometres don’t come from case travel, but station travel,” he said.

“Historical changes to vehicle utilisation in areas such as Devonport and Mersey means that paramedics are forced to travel further to get back to where they came from.”

An Ambulance Tasmania spokesman said paramedics want to make sure patients receive the best care available.

“A patient requiring emergency medical care will be taken to the hospital that is best able to provide the level of care that they require,” he said.

The renewal of ambulances in the fleet is also a point of contention, with HACSU claiming there are about 20 vehicles in excess of the 210,000km soft limit.

Ambulance Tasmania admitted some vehicles were in need of renewal, and said the delay was due to an interruption to the renewal program.

“Late last year, the company that had the contract to fit-out Ambulance Tasmania vehicles went into administration.

“This was outside of Ambulance Tasmania’s control, and another provider needed to be secured.

“It meant a small number of vehicles were going to be used for longer than usual.

“New vehicles are currently being configured and will be delivered in the coming months.”

Mr Jacobson said patient safety remains the priority for HACSU.

“Ambulances are sometimes required to do more than regular vehicles on the road,” he said.

“The last thing we want is to be in a situation where we have vehicles that are unfit to transport patients.”