General News
30 August, 2024
Busiest year on record for Victorian paramedics
AMBULANCE response times in Corangamite and Moyne have risen, according to Ambulance Victoria’s most recent quarterly data, as the number of incidents requiring a lights and sirens response also increased.
Paramedics and first responders across Victoria have faced the busiest quarter on record, with crews in the Barwon South West Region responding to more than 7550 code one emergencies.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) Barwon South West regional director Jessica McGowan said demand across the Barwon South West Region increased by 6.8 per cent – or 483 more code one cases – compared with a year ago.
“The entire health system continues to be extremely busy due to seasonal illness such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV circulating within our communities and our workforce,” she said.
“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders in Barwon South West do an incredible job in the face of record-breaking demand, providing best care to our communities every day.
“It is important that everyone does their part.
“If your matter is not an emergency, consider using alternative care options and keep our highly skilled paramedics available for patients most in need.”
In Corangamite, the number of emergency responses rose from 248 the previous quarter to 265.
Paramedics responded to 39.6 per cent of code one incidents within 15 minutes – which was down on the previous quarter of 43.5 per cent of incidents during the previous quarter.
The average response time also increased slightly, rising from 20 minutes and 27 seconds to 20 minutes and 36 seconds.
The results followed a similar trend in Moyne Shire, with the number of code one responses rising from 216 last quarter to 225 this quarter.
The number of code one responses attended within 15 minutes also declined, with 34.2 per cent of code one incidents attended to compared to 43.5 the previous quarter.
The average response time rose from 18 minutes and 48 seconds last quarter to 20 minutes and 21 seconds this quarter.
Executive director regional operations Danielle North said AV constantly monitored demand and ambulance availability in real time and worked with hospitals to help transfer patients as promptly as possible, to ensure our ambulances can get back on the road sooner.
“We also review and adjust the ambulance call taking and dispatch grid, based on research, clinical expertise and our large body of clinical data, to ensure it remains suitable for the Victorian environment,” she said.
“We continue to work with our partners at Triple Zero Victoria to support the call taking and dispatch process, noting that about one in five calls to Triple Zero (000) do not need an emergency ambulance response.”
Ms North said there was many alternative care pathways which people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice, but not an emergency ambulance.
“You can connect directly with the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) at www.vved.org.au anywhere, anytime in the comfort of home and avoid a trip to hospital,” she said.
“Other options include your local Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC), GP or pharmacist, or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.
“From April to June, 41,704 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in AV’s Secondary Triage team.
“In 2023/24, paramedics referred more than 30,000 patients to the VVED and 9574 patients were referred to the VVED following assessment in Secondary Triage.”
For more information about routine winter vaccinations or finding your nearest PPCC, visit the Better Health website at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au