The average wait time for ambulances responding to life-threatening calls to 000 in Mitchell Shire has increased by more than two-and-a-half minutes in 12 months, new data from Ambulance Victoria has revealed.
The figures released as part of the October to December 2021 quarterly update reported it took ambulances in Mitchell Shire an average of 17 minutes and 17 seconds to respond to a code one call to 000, compared to an average wait of 14 minutes and 36 seconds at the same time the year before.
Mitchell Shire also received 87 more code one calls — described as an incident requiring urgent paramedic and hospital care — in the latest quarter than the last quarter of 2020.
Only about 50 to 60 per cent of all code one calls last quarter were responded to in under 15 mintues.
Strathbogie Shire’s average wait time for an ambulance for code one calls was recorded as 23 minutes and 40 seconds, up from 18 minutes and 55 seconds 12 months ago.
Just 20 to 30 per cent of all code one incidents are responded to in under 15 mintues.
Ambulance Victoria Hume acting regional director Dale Armstrong said the data showed the pandemic continued to place unprecedented and sustained pressure on the entire health system.
“We are now seeing a significant increase in calls from people with COVID-19 symptoms, many who do not require emergency care,” Mr Armstrong said.
“Most people with COVID-19 will not need an ambulance, as minor COVID-19 symptoms can be managed at home.
“If you develop severe symptoms, you should call 000 immediately.”
Ambulance Victoria chief executive officer Tony Walker said paramedics across Victoria experienced the busiest quarter on record.
“Demand is now higher than pre-pandemic levels,” Professor Walker said.
“During the last quarter we were challenged by the peak of the Delta wave, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.”
Prof Walker said Ambulance Victoria had hired 700 paramedics in the past year to help respond to the increased demand and rolled out 22 new Medium Activity Transport Services (MATS) in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
“Meanwhile, we have added 56 on-road paramedics to deliver additional services in rural Victoria,” he said.
As many as one-in-five calls to 000 for an ambulance do not actually need an emergency ambulance response.
“Every call for assistance that isn’t an emergency puts significant strain on our crews to reach those who need us the most,” Prof Walker said.
Mr Armstrong asked anyone seeking health advise to contact their GP, local pharmacists or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 606 024.