Paramedics are getting to the most critically ill patients faster in the Hume Region than last year.
New Ambulance Victoria data has shown that paramedics have been getting to the most serious cases faster, which Hume Regional and Clinical Operations Director Steve Doyle said was thanks to more paramedics and people in the community accessing alternative and virtual care services.
“July to September saw ambulances across Victoria called to 96,594 code one cases — 2002 more than a year ago — making it the fourth-busiest quarter in our history,” he said.
“Despite this high demand, ambulances arrived at ‘lights and sirens’ cases on average 23 seconds faster than a year ago and 52 seconds faster than the previous quarter.
“Our dedicated paramedics do an amazing job delivering world-class care, and Victoria has the best cardiac survival rates in Australia.”
From July to September, paramedics across Victoria responded to 66 per cent of code one cases within the target of 15 minutes, up from 61.7 per cent for the previous three months.
In the Hume region, performance has improved in the Mansfield, Indigo, Greater Shepparton, Alpine, Moira, Towong, Wangaratta, Strathbogie, Wodonga, Benalla, Murrindindi and Mitchell local government areas.
Acting chief operations officer Anthony Carlyon thanked the community for saving 000 for emergencies and accessing alternative care options, such as the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.
“There are lots of places to get timely, non-urgent health advice. If it is non-life threatening, you can connect directly with the emergency doctors and nurses at the VVED from anywhere in Victoria at any time,” he said.
“Other options include your local Priority Primary Care Centre, your GP or pharmacist, or Nurse On Call on 1300 60 60 24.”