Tony Ryall. Pic: NZPA

Wellington, June 4 NZPA - The Government will spend $28 million over four years to add 100 paramedics to frontline emergency services, Health Minister Tony Ryall said today.

Mr Ryall said the extra paramedics would boost patient safety by increasing the number of double crewed ambulances.

"We are also funding $500,000 annually for more training for rural volunteers, recognising their considerable contribution," Mr Ryall said.

"We're providing an additional $1 million per year to help the air ambulance sector through these difficult financial times."

The total funding allocated to the new initiatives for emergency services is $48 million over the next four years, and was budgeted for under the previous government.

Wellington Free Ambulance chief executive Alan O'Beirne welcomed the spending and said it would pay for 10 extra paramedics in the Wellington area.