![The WA government is taking steps to improve ambulance response times as coronavirus cases surge. The WA government is taking steps to improve ambulance response times as coronavirus cases surge.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-feed-data/97e1abec-2081-490f-a62c-2d5fbf1a7b6f.jpg/r0_0_800_600_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Senior health and police officials will be stationed at Western Australia's ambulance headquarters to ensure proper response times amid the current surge in COVID-19 cases.
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The move comes amid growing pressure on the service as more staff are furloughed because of virus infections.
It also follows the death of an 80-year-old Perth woman on Sunday who had suffered a suspected heart attack.
Despite being considered a priority one case, with a targeted response time of 15 minutes, it was more than two hours before an ambulance arrived at her home.
Premier Mark McGowan said the incident was unacceptable and an immediate response was required.
"There is no doubt staff furlough pressures due to the pandemic can be challenging, but our ambulance service must adapt and be there for the community," he said.
"My government is committed to doing everything within its power to support St John to meet their obligations and the expectations of the community."
From Thursday, two senior health officers and two highly experienced WA police officers, will assist St John on the ground and provide immediate logistical support.
The government will also work with St John Ambulance to address staff pressures due to COVID-19 infections.
Cases have surged in WA, hitting a daily peak of 17,033 on May 11 after climbing above 10,000 for the first time on May 5.
On Wednesday there were 16,253 new infections.
Regardless, Health Minister Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said it was absolutely imperative that when someone needed an ambulance in an emergency, that one arrived.
"Our paramedics and triple-zero-call takers do an amazing job for our community and we want to give them all the support they need at this very challenging time," she said.
Australian Associated Press