Improved response performance as we prepare for flu season
April 27, 2018in Community News
In the first three months of 2018, Ambulance Victoria paramedics treated more time-critical patients faster and are well-prepared for the upcoming flu season, latest performance data shows.
Paramedics responded to 66,225 Code 1 patients in the first three months of 2018 – an extra 4,104 patients than the same period in 2017.
Even with the increased demand, paramedics reached 83.0 per cent of Code 1 patients across the state within the critical target of 15 minutes in the first three months of 2018 – an improvement of 3.0 percentage points on same period last year.
In major population centres where more than 80 per cent of Victorians live, paramedics reached 88.5 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes – compared with 87.5 per cent for the same period last year.
The average Code 1 response time for Urban Centres and Localities, where the population exceeds 7500, improved by 38 seconds to 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
Paramedics were also dispatched to 51,713 Code 2 patients in the first three months of 2018 – 936 more than the same period in 2017.
The average response time to these less-urgent patients was 24 minutes and 31 seconds – one minute and 16 seconds faster than the same period last year.
Ambulance Victoria CEO Tony Walker said Ambulance Victoria was well-prepared for the upcoming flu season with more paramedics and ambulances than ever before.
“While last year’s heavy flu season had a significant impact on the health of Victorians, we were able to not only meet demand but improve our response performance,” Associate Professor Walker said.
“We have continued that improvement in the recent summer months and are now well placed to enter the next winter peak with more ambulances and paramedics on the road than ever before.
Associate Professor Walker said substantial government investment, that included funding for extra paramedics and ambulances, was helping Ambulance Victoria deliver outstanding emergency healthcare to patients.
“Our patient-focused reforms to the way Triple Zero calls are triaged and ambulances dispatched are also having a positive impact,” Associate Professor Walker said.
“By better assessing the individual needs of our patients we are able to provide those patients the most appropriate response and ensure ambulances are available for emergencies.