Improved performance despite increased demand
August 1, 2024in News
Paramedics and first responders have faced the busiest quarter on record, responding to more than 102,000 Victorians.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) Executive Director Regional Operations Danielle North said paramedics reached Code 1 patients faster on average, than a year ago despite a five per cent increase in demand.
“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,” Ms North said.
“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders do an incredible job; working under pressure to provide best care to communities across the state 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.”
Ms North said April to June was AV’s busiest quarter ever with more than 102,000 Code 1 cases – breaking the previous record of 100,238 Code 1 cases set in October to December 2022.
“That’s nearly 5,000 more ‘lights and sirens’ cases compared to the same time last year and a huge 35.2 per cent more Code 1 cases before the pandemic five years ago,” Ms North 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.
“We constantly monitor demand and ambulance availability in real time and work with all hospitals to help transfer patients as promptly as possible, to ensure our ambulances can get back on the road sooner,” Ms North said.
“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.
“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) 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 9,574 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.
The full Q4 performance data (April – June 2024) is available on the Ambulance Victoria’s website.