PARAMEDICS and first responders across Victoria have faced the busiest quarter on record, with crews in Gippsland responding to 6132 Code 1 emergencies.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) Gippsland Regional Director, Ross Salathiel, said demand across Gippsland increased by 4.7 per cent – or 273 more Code 1 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,” Mr Salathiel said.
“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders in Gippsland 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.”
Mr Salathiel said April to June was AV’s busiest quarter ever, with more than 102,000 Code 1 cases across Victoria – breaking the previous record of 100,238 Code 1 cases set in October to December 2022.
“That’s nearly 5000 more ‘lights and sirens’ cases compared to same time last year and a huge 35.2 per cent more Code 1 cases before the pandemic five years ago,” Mr Salathiel said.
From April to June 2024, paramedics across Victoria responded to 64.2 per cent of Code 1 cases within the state-wide target of 15 minutes. The state-wide average response time to Code 1 emergencies was 15 minutes and 37 seconds.
Performance against the 15-minute target for Code 1 cases improved in 55 of Victoria’s 79 Local Government Areas (LGAs) compared with a year ago. In the Gippsland Region, the biggest improvements were in the Wellington, East Gippsland, Latrobe and Baw Baw LGAs.
Regional highlights were:
-Over the past year, Code 1 response times decreased by two minutes and 21 seconds in the Wellington LGA, one minute and four seconds in the East Gippsland LGA and 30 seconds in the Baw Baw LGA;
-In the Morwell major population centre, paramedics attended 88 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes – the best result in the state despite a 10 per cent increase in demand compared with a year ago;
-Across the Latrobe LGA, paramedics attended 2003 Code 1 cases between April and June – a nine per cent increase in caseloads from a year ago, and;
-Across the Latrobe LGA, paramedics attended 75.6 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes, up from 71 per cent a year earlier. As a result, paramedics were arriving 40 seconds faster than a year ago.
The 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 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,” Ms North 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.
“There are many alternative care pathways that 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.
“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.
“Staying up to date with your yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccinations helps protect you, the people around you, and makes a difference reducing demand on our paramedics during this busy time.”
For more information about routine winter vaccinations or finding your nearest PPCC, visit the Better Health website at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
