Record demand for ambulances due to the COVID-19 pandemic eased between January and March, leading to improvements in ambulance response times.
The last quarter of 2022 was the busiest in Ambulance Victoria’s history, with 100,000 ‘lights and sirens’ cases, but in the most recent quarter, call-outs decreased by 7.8 per cent.
The target average response time for code one emergencies in Victoria is 15 minutes.
For Mitchell Shire, the average response time for the quarter was 17 minutes and 22 seconds, an improvement of one minute, 48 seconds. Some 52.6 per cent of call-outs were reached in under 15 minutes.
For Strathbogie Shire, the average response time was 23 minutes and 19 seconds, an improvement of 51 seconds. A total of 33.7 per cent of call-outs were reached in under 15 minutes.
Ambulance Victoria Hume regional director Narelle Capp said the decrease in demand provided welcome relief to hard-working paramedics.
Ms Capp said along with reduced demand, a drop in staff unable to work due to COVID made a real difference.
“This helped speed up the handover of patients at hospitals and allowed to us get back on the road quicker to attend more life-threatening emergencies,” she said.
“However, now is not the time to be complacent. We know demand is already rising again and will continue to do so as we head towards winter.
“That’s why I encourage all Victorians to take care of themselves and keep regular check-ups with your GP or specialist and get your COVID-19 booster and annual flu shot. For more minor ailments, visit your local Priority Primary Care Centre.”
In an attempt to keep up with demand, more than 1300 paramedics have been recruited over the past two years.
From January to March, 37,825 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected by paramedics and nurses in a secondary triage team to more appropriate care.
This resulted in 500 or more cases every day being safely matched to services that suited their needs, avoiding emergency dispatch.
To relieve pressure on paramedics and the health system, save 000 for emergencies.